Carers of East Lothian is supporting Breathing Space Day which this year is encouraging everyone to ‘learn to listen’ and practice their active listening skills.
Breathing Space Day is celebrated every year on 1st February and serves as an important reminder of the critical role listening plays in mental health support. The day also highlights the invaluable work of NHS 24’s Breathing Space service, a free and confidential phone and web chat service available to anyone in Scotland aged 16 and over who is experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.
Tony McLaren National Coordinator for Breathing Space said, “During 2024, our skilled Breathing Space colleagues provided a lifeline to those needing support by responding to over 180,000 calls and 8,000 webchats. As listening is the heart of Breathing Space’s service, this Breathing Space Day we are promoting the transformative impact that listening—and truly hearing someone—can have on mental wellbeing.”
Breathing Space’s ‘learn to listen’ tips include:
- Be attentive: Focus entirely on the speaker by eliminating distractions, maintaining eye contact, and
demonstrating genuine interest in what they have to say. - Listen without judgement: Allow the speaker to share their thoughts and feelings openly by creating a
safe space and withholding judgment and criticism. - Reflect and clarify: Repeat what the speaker has said to show you grasp what they truly mean. Ask
more questions if needed to confirm your understanding. Validate feelings: Demonstrate empathy and support by acknowledging the speaker’s emotions and experiences, whether you agree with them or not. - Use non-verbal cues: If you are speaking face-to-face, nod and smile where appropriate and use open body language to signal attentiveness.
- Be patient and allow for silence: Allow the speaker to express themselves at their own pace and understand that silence can also be a powerful tool when talking. Avoid interruptions or rushingthe chat to allow the speaker to gather their thoughts and fully share their feelings.
- Ask open-ended questions: Encourage the speaker to expand on their thoughts by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
- Offer support, not solutions: Instead of jumping to provide solutions, simply offer your support and understanding. Sometimes, just being there to listen is the most helpful thing you can do.
Tony continues, “As we celebrate Breathing Space Day, the message is clear: No one should face their struggles alone. Take the time to reach out to a loved one or someone you trust to share your thoughts and feelings. If this feels overwhelming, remember that Breathing Space is also here to help. Whether it’s a call or a webchat, Breathing Space’s trained advisors are ready to listen and offer a safe and confidential space for anyone in need.”
To access Breathing Space, call 0800 83 85 87 or visit breathingspace.scot for webchat services. NHS 24 mental health services are available to everyone in Scotland. The services we offer include listening, offering advice, and guiding you to further help if required.
Useful links
NHS 24 Services
Mental health information and tools
Mental health self-help guides
Online mental health tools
mind-to-mind
For ways to promote kindness for better mental health in Scotland: The Little Book of Caring Ways
For ways to practise positivity for better mental health in Scotland: The Little Book of Brighter Days