Get your Breathing Space in the Borders

The team talk to the public about the service as part of Rural Health Week (September 27 to October 3)

SCOTLAND'S national phone line for people experiencing difficulties in their life will be talking about its work in the Borders as part of Rural Health Week.

Breathing Space will be heading to Galashiels, Hawick, Melrose and Kelso during the week to promote its free and confidential phone line for people who are feeling down, anxious or depressed.

At venues throughout the area, its team will hand out leaflets, give away goodies such as the Breathing Space sports bags and pens and explain how the phone and web-based service works.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space's national coordinator, said: "Living in a remote or rural area can affect people in a whole manner of different ways. You may be worried about job loss, money, a relationship or you could be struggling with issues of isolation and loneliness.

"Our trained advisers are able to offer a safe and supportive space for you to talk about how you're feeling. They will listen, offer advice and information. The service is free and anonymous.

"Rural Health Week is an excellent opportunity to stop and think not only about your physical condition but your mental wellbeing. We'd urge anyone who is struggling to cope or just needs to talk about how they're feeling to pick up the phone and give us a call. Help is available."

A Samaritans spokeswoman said: "Samaritans is delighted to support this campaign by Breathing Space as we know that talking about difficult feelings, including those that may lead to suicide, can relieve distress and help people to cope."