New station benches offer moment to pause this mental health awareness week

Benches promoting positive mental wellbeing are being unveiled at several train stations in Scotland as part of mental health awareness week (12-18 May 2025).

The seats encourage passengers and members of the community to take a moment to pause and reflect on their own mental health, as well as offering a dedicated space to talk through challenges and difficult times with others.

They’re being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with ScotRail, NHS 24’s Breathing Space service, the Samaritans and local authorities. They will be unveiled throughout the week at Dumfries, Dundee, Uddingston, Fort William and Cardonald railway stations.

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 moment for 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.”

David Ross, ScotRail Communications Director, 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.

“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.”

In Scotland breathing space benches are already installed at Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley, Dalmuir, Dunbar, Falkirk High, Aberdeen and Hyndland. Across the UK, more than 50 exist, with feedback confirming they provide a supportive environment to seek mental health guidance.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator 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 okay to not be okay and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.”