Latest news with #BreathingSpace
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Breathing Space
Imagine you're stuck in a leaking boat. Water is pouring in, you're exhausted, panicking, and feel like you're about to imagine someone throws you a lifeline — they patch the holes, give you a moment to breathe, and let you rest while a support team comes to help fix the boat what the Breathing Space scheme is. It doesn't magically erase your debt — but it stops the pressure. No calls from creditors, no new interest piling on, no court action. Breathing Space protects you while you seek debt advice and work towards a debt solution with a regulated debt adviser. It lasts for up to 60 days, and you can apply for it once every 12 more information on how the government scheme works, click here, find out more information, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and details for the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space scheme click here , externalto visit the StepChange website and here, external for the MoneyHelper find a free regulated debt adviser, click here, watch Laura's previous item on Individual Voluntary Arrangements and Debt Relief Orders, click on the below link to watch back on BBC iPlayer.
Glasgow Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Special benches installed at Glasgow train stations
Cardonald and Uddingston stations now join a growing list with the specially-designed benches fitted, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from May 12 to 18. Network Rail, working in partnership with NHS24's Breathing Space service, the Samaritans, local authorities, and ScotRail, rolled out these benches at Dumfries, Dundee, Uddingston, Fort William and Cardonald. The benches aim to encourage commuters to take a moment for themselves and reflect on their mental state. They also provide a dedicated spot for those who wish to discuss their troubles with someone else. READ MORE: Much-loved pizza restaurant reveals opening date for third Glasgow venue Innis Keith, health, safety, and environment director at Network Rail, said: "Mental health support belongs everywhere, including our railway. "The benches provide an opportunity for people to transform the time spent waiting for their train into a moment to focus on their wellbeing. "They invite you to pause, reflect, and, if you choose, share a conversation." David Ross, communications director at ScotRail, said: "We're proud to support an initiative that encourages kindness, openness, and mental wellbeing — values that are important to ScotRail and the communities we serve. 'By working with our partners, we're helping to make stations welcoming spaces where people can pause, talk, and support each other. Sometimes just sitting down for a chat can make all the difference.' READ MORE: Man arrested after 'serious sex attack' at Glasgow property Breathing Space benches have already been available at several Scottish stations, including Glasgow Central and Hyndland. More than 50 of these exist across the UK. They have received positive feedback about creating a supportive environment for people in need of mental health guidance. Tony McLaren, national coordinator for Breathing Space, said: "These benches are more than just a place to sit, they are a symbol of our commitment to encouraging open conversations about mental health. "By providing a safe and welcoming space, we hope to inspire individuals to take a moment to reflect and reach out for support if needed. "Let's continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health by remembering it's okay to not be okay and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength."
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Breathing Space bench to be unveiled at Uddingston station
Passengers and community members will be encouraged to pause for thought at the bench, being installed to mark mental health week A new bench encouraging train passengers to pause for thought and conversation is being unveiled at Uddingston station as part of the current Mental Health Awareness Week. The station is one of five across Scotland to have the latest new Breathing Space benches put in place by Network Rail to help promote positive mental wellbeing, taking the total across Scotland to 12 including those at Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley. Uddingston station users and members of the community will be invited to 'take a moment to pause and reflect on their own mental health', while the benches also offer 'a dedicated space to talk through challenges and difficult times with others'. The benches are being put in place by Network Rail in partnership with Scotrail, NHS 24's Breathing Space service, the Samaritans and local authorities. Network Rail health, safety and environment director Innis Keith said: 'Mental health support belongs everywhere, including our railway. 'The benches provide an opportunity for people to transform the time spent waiting for their train into a moment to focus on their wellbeing. They invite you to pause, reflect, and, if you choose, share a conversation – whether you're waiting for a train or simply passing through, taking a seat can be the first step toward easing feelings of stress, loneliness, or anxiety.' Scotrail communications director David Ross added: 'We're proud to support an initiative that encourages kindness, openness, and mental wellbeing – values that are important to ScotRail and the communities we serve. 'Looking after mental health is something we all have a part to play in, and these benches are a simple but powerful reminder that no-one has to face tough times alone. 'By working with our partners, we're helping to make stations welcoming spaces where people can pause, talk, and support each other. Sometimes just sitting down for a chat can make all the difference.' Tony McLaren, national co-ordinator for Breathing Space, added: 'These benches are more than just a place to sit; they are a symbol of our commitment to encouraging open conversations about mental health. 'By providing a safe and welcoming space, we hope to inspire individuals to take a moment to reflect and reach out for support if needed. Let's continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health by remembering it's OK to not be OK and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.'
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Dealing with Debt
To find more information on Individual Voluntary Arrangements, click here, externalFor more information on Debt Relief orders, click here, externalTo learn more about applying for the Breathing Space scheme, click here, externalTo find out if a company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, click here, externalTo find a list of government-backed organisations for free debt advice, click here, externalTo find the advantages and disadvantages of an IVA, click here, externalTo find the advantages and disadvantages of a DRO, click here, external
BBC News
22-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Northampton music event to raise awareness of lung conditions
An event has been organised to raise awareness of lung conditions among Romanian and Moldovan communities. The Breathing Space, run by Northamptonshire Carers, supports those affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and similar family day at St Thomas Centre in Northampton on Saturday offers people the chance to meet healthcare professionals while enjoying traditional music and dance performances. COPD is the name for a group of conditions that cause breathing difficulties, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which people may not realise they have and can get worse over time. Senior wellbeing practitioner Keri Platt said: "This event is about connecting with families, building trust and making sure the various health services related to COPD are available."The idea behind this outreach is so we can engage with the communities and then bring them into our service."The NHS recommends seeing a GP if you have persistent symptoms of COPD, particularly if you are over 35 and smoke or used to main symptoms are:A shortness of breath, particularly when you are activePersistent chesty cough with phlegmFrequent chest infectionsPersistent wheezingSource: NHSThe Breathing Space also organises twice-monthly medical advice sessions, aiming to reduce anxiety and isolation, and provide learning opportunities for managing respiratory conditions. To enhance accessibility, GPs have recorded information videos about COPD in family event runs on 22 February at St Thomas Centre in Northampton, between 13:30 and 14:30 GMT. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
