Richard Leckerman National Development Officer: Breathing Space ARGYLL CONFERENCE September 10th 200

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Richard LeckermanNational Development
OfficerBreathing SpaceARGYLL
CONFERENCESeptember 10th 2008World Suicide
Prevention Dayrichard_at_breathingspacescotland.co.
uk
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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)

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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.

Mens 10k June 2008
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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
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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

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www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk

• First Phase launched October 3rd 2005
• 130,000 hits Oct 05 May 07
• Extension to the phone-line
• Alternative first stop service
• Available 24/7

Website Home Page
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My Role

• Attending national / local events /
• Presentations
• Developments internal / external
• Training
• Link in with key partners
• Phone line advisor

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DEVELOPMENTS

• Deaf Community
• Volunteers
• BME Community
• Remote and Rural
• Macmillan nurses
• Website