Staff, patients and visitors at NHS Grampian can now take a moment to pause and recharge following the installation of the first Breathing Space bench at a hospital site in the region.
Installed within the garden area beside Foresterhill House on the Foresterhill Health Campus, the bench offers a quiet outdoor space where people can sit, reflect and take time for their wellbeing.
Delivered by NHS 24, the Breathing Space bench initiative promotes mental health awareness and encourages people to take a moment to look after themselves or seek support if they need it. More than 100 benches have already been installed in communities and public spaces across Scotland, providing visible reminders that support is available.
The bench at Foresterhill has been generously donated by TechnipFMC following joint work with NHS Grampian through the Healthy Working Lives programme. The donation reflects a shared commitment to supporting wellbeing in workplaces and across local communities.
Julie Phillips, Public Health Practitioner Advanced (Workplace) with NHS Grampian, said: ‘We deliver a range of sessions for employers to upskill and support staff on mental health and wellbeing at work. We’re very grateful to TechnipFMC for their generous donation and support in helping bring the first Breathing Space bench to a hospital site in Grampian.’
Back row (left to right): Caroline Hartley, Public Health Practitioner; Julie Phillips, Public Health Practitioner (Advanced); Steph Forrest, Public Health Practitioner.
Gary Lloyd, Senior Manager – HSE - Subsea Operations, said: ‘On behalf of TechnipFMC, I am proud to support the Breathing Space initiative. This bench is a token of our appreciation, and it recognises the NHS staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for their unwavering dedication to serving our local communities. We all have mental health—some days it feels strong, and other days it can be more challenging. We hope this serves as a gentle reminder it’s okay not to be okay, and during life’s everyday struggles, you are never alone'
Lisa-Jane Dock, National Development Officer for Breathing Space added: ‘Breathing Space benches are designed to offer a quiet moment to pause, reflect and take stock, especially during life’s more challenging moments. They provide a visible reminder that looking after our mental wellbeing matters and it’s okay to slow down. For anyone who needs more than a moment to pause, Breathing Space offers mental health support by phone and webchat. The service provides a safe, free, and confidential space to talk and be listened to.’
The bench has been placed in green space to the north of the site, looking towards Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and The Suttie Centre for Teaching & Learning in Healthcare. Located along a popular pathway used by staff, patients, visitors and students, it adds to an existing garden space designed to support rest and relaxation away from the clinical environment.
The Breathing Space service offers free, confidential support for anyone in Scotland experiencing low mood, stress or anxiety. Support is available by calling 0800 83 85 87 or visiting www.breathingspace.scot