1. Richard Leckerman National Development Officer: Breathing Space ARGYLL CONFERENCE September 10 th 2008 World Suicide Prevention Day richard@breathingspacescotland.co.uk

2. Mission Statement Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland. We are here in times of difficulty to provide a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and information. It is our belief and hope that by empowering people, they will have the resources to recover. (November 2007)

3. Phone-line Service Free, confidential, anonymous and out of hours National and funded by Scottish Gov. and NHS24 Targets young adult men who are experiencing low mood and depression Experienced phone-line advisors Listen, advise, support and signpost Non-intervention but empowering. Men’s 10k June 2008

4. Call Volume 4,200 calls per month Total calls – 150,000 since February ‘04 Call times are variable between 6pm and 2am Mon – Thurs. From 6pm Fri to 6am Mon Team away day at Ballencleroch June 2006 Inverness Caledonian FC support Breathing Space

5. Reasons for Calling Depression Relationship difficulties Alcohol and drugs Gender Identity/Sexuality Self-harm Abuse Prison Issues Bullying Mental Health Problems Isolation & Loneliness Spiritual/Existentialist

6. www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk First Phase launched October 3 rd 2005 130,000 hits Oct 05 – May 07 Extension to the phone-line Alternative first stop service Available 24/7 Website Home Page

7. My Role Attending national / local events / Presentations Developments internal / external Training Link in with key partners Phone line advisor

8. DEVELOPMENTS Deaf Community Volunteers BME Community Remote and Rural Macmillan nurses Website