Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 6 March 2023
To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Breathing Space in providing its services to people experiencing mental health difficulties.
In 2022/23, the Scottish Government provided £2.35million to NHS24 for Breathing Space; this forms part of our overall funding package to NHS24 (of almost £10million), to provide a range of advice and support to people experiencing mental health problems.
The Scottish Government recognises the vital service Breathing Space provides and intends to continue funding the service. Our funding enables NHS24 to provide a high quality listening service for people experiencing low mood. It also allows the continued development of the service using user insight and evaluation. For example, the service recently expanded to include a webchat facility which provides support in a way that meets users’ needs whilst also offering a new way to help manage demand for this valuable service.