First ‘Take some Breathing Space’ Bench installed at NHS Grampian hospital site

Staff, patients and visitors at NHS Grampian can now take a moment to pause and recharge thanks to 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 and NHS Grampian Public Health Directorate Workplace Team, Breathing Space offers employers advice on their services and initiatives to promote mental health awareness. The ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench initiative encourages people to take a moment to look after themselves or reach out for support if they need it. More than 100 benches have already been installed in communities and public spaces across Scotland, helping to create visible reminders that support is always available.

The bench at Foresterhill has been generously donated by TechnipFMC following joint work with NHS Grampian Public Health Directorate Workplace Team and Breathing Space. The donation reflects a shared commitment to supporting fair work and staff wellbeing both 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.”

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 that it’s okay not to be okay, and that during life’s everyday struggles, you are never alone”

Lisa-Jane Dock, National Development Officer for Breathing Space said:

“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 that 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.”

Located along a popular pathway used by staff, patients, visitors and students, the bench 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.