Railway passengers struggling with their mental health now have new sanctuaries to turn to, following the installation of five specially designed 'Breathing Space' benches at Scotland's busiest train stations. The distinctive green benches, launched through a partnership between Network Rail and Scottish mental health charity Breathing Space, represent a thoughtful approach to making mental health support more accessible in our everyday environments.
The benches have been strategically placed at Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley, Stirling, Perth, and Inverness stations—locations that collectively serve thousands of travellers daily. Each bench features clear signage with a QR code that, when scanned, provides immediate access to the Breathing Space website, offering mental health resources and support at the point when someone might need them most.
This Scottish rollout builds on the success of similar installations across England and Wales, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to mental health awareness in public spaces. The concept is refreshingly simple: create visible, accessible spots where anyone feeling overwhelmed can pause, breathe, and potentially take their first step towards seeking help.
Railway stations are particularly significant locations for such initiatives. These busy transport hubs see people from all walks of life—some travelling for happy occasions, others facing difficult journeys or life circumstances. Having a designated quiet space acknowledges that mental health support shouldn't be hidden away but should be as accessible as any other public service.
The collaboration reflects the rail industry's growing understanding of its role in passenger wellbeing. Network Rail's partnership with Breathing Space aims to normalise conversations about mental health whilst ensuring practical support is available exactly where and when it might be needed most—during the often stressful experience of travel.