Cala Homes (East) has installed a bench at the Cammo Meadows development to help boost mental health awareness, providing a space for locals and residents to take some time out of their day for a quiet moment of reflection.

A second bench has been installed by David Wilson Homes East Scotland who, alongside Cala Homes (East), have jointly funded the benches.

Cala Homes (East) has placed its bench in a quiet corner, at the western edge of the development, beside a local woodland walk and cycle path to provide picturesque views of the historic Cammo Estate.

An inscribed plaque will clearly display contact information for Breathing Space, a free telephone service which aims to help those in Scotland who are experiencing anxiety, stress or feeling low.

Peter McNamara, site manager at Cala Homes’ (East) Cammo Meadows development, said: “We are delighted to unveil this Breathing Space bench at Cammo Meadows. The bench will act as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we hope that residents use it for moments of peaceful reflection.

“Its position beside the Cammo Estate is also something we took into consideration, as it means it’s not just those who live at Cammo Meadows, but also the wider community are able to use the bench, not just those that live within the development. This gives everyone a chance to benefit from this peaceful setting and take some time out.”

Tony McLaren, national co-ordinator for Breathing Space, added: “The benches we have installed help the spread of positivity, as well as encouraging people to reach out to those who need it most. By adding the plaque with our phone number, we hope to make more people aware of the helpline which is available on weekday evenings and 24 hours at weekends. Those looking to speak to a Breathing Space advisor can call 0800 83 85 87.

“We hope the residents and the whole community at Cammo Meadows and surrounding area are able to enjoy the bench, in this serene and calm setting, and that it has a positive impact on the local community.”

Anne Ross, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of Barratt Developments Scotland, commented: “The new Breathing Space bench at our Cammo Meadows development is a welcome addition to the site, providing a space for the local community to relax and find a moment of calm amidst busy schedules.

“Residents and locals experiencing anxiety, stress or who are feeling low can also find contact details for a free telephone service on each bench’s plaque. It might not seem much, but these two small corners of calm are a positive step in supporting and shifting the stigma surrounding mental health.”