Immediate support for the moments before what’s next.
What is The Space Between?
The Space Between is the period between recognising that support is needed and receiving it. Support doesn’t always begin when an appointment starts. Discover why immediate, practical support can make a meaningful difference while waiting for what’s next.
Sometimes the moments that matter most happen unexpectedly. A child is waiting for a blood test. A family is sitting outside an operating theatre. A traveller is stranded by a delayed flight. A student is waiting to sit an important exam. An employee is preparing for a difficult conversation.
Professional support may already be on its way, but in that moment there is often a gap between recognising that support is needed and receiving it.
At TLC for Kids, we call this The Space Between.
It may last only a few minutes, or it may last hours, days or even longer. During that time, people are often left trying to manage uncertainty, fear, frustration or emotional overwhelm on their own.
While immediate support cannot replace professional healthcare or counselling, it can provide a practical way to help people feel calmer, more focused and better prepared for whatever comes next.
Why The Space Between Matters
Many support systems are designed to help once someone enters a healthcare, education or workplace pathway.
These services are incredibly important, but they are not always available at the exact moment they are needed.
The Space Between recognises that there is value in providing simple, immediate support while people wait for the next step.
Whether that next step is seeing a doctor, speaking with a psychologist, boarding a flight or simply having an important conversation, small moments of support can make a meaningful difference.
Everyday Examples of The Space Between
The Space Between exists in many situations throughout everyday life.
| Healthcare | Work & Education | Travel & Everyday Life |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting for a blood test | Before a presentation | Airport delays |
| Before surgery | Before an interview | Waiting to board a flight |
| Waiting for scan results | Before an exam | During turbulence |
| Sitting in a waiting room | Difficult conversations | Public transport |
| Dental appointments | High workload | Shopping centres |
| Vaccinations | Sporting performance | Waiting for important news |
| Medical imaging | Workplace stress | Before going to sleep |
What People Often Need
Although every situation is different, people experiencing The Space Between often need similar things.
They may benefit from:
- A moment to pause.
- Something positive to focus on.
- A way to regulate their breathing.
- A sense of control.
- Clear thinking.
- Emotional regulation.
- A simple activity that helps pass the time constructively.
Immediate support does not need to solve every problem. Sometimes it simply needs to help people get through the next few minutes.
Common Barriers
Many wellbeing resources are excellent, but they are not always available immediately.
Common barriers include:
| Barrier | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Waiting for appointments | Support may not be available immediately. |
| Long online searches | People often need help in the moment, not after searching multiple websites. |
| Downloading multiple apps | Time and internet access may be limited. |
| Creating accounts | Registration can delay access when someone is already feeling overwhelmed. |
| Advertisements | Interruptions can reduce focus and increase frustration. |
| Subscription costs | Many people need free, accessible support. |
| Complex instructions | Simple tools are often easier to use during stressful moments. |
Where Tap 2 Distract Fits
Tap 2 Distract was created to support people during The Space Between.
It is not intended to replace doctors, psychologists, counsellors or emergency services.
Instead, it provides immediate access to evidence-informed breathing activities, positive distraction tools and simple emotional regulation exercises that can be used almost anywhere.
Available within seconds, Tap 2 Distract is:
- Free to use
- No login required
- No subscriptions
- No advertisements
- Works offline after download
- Suitable for children and adults
- Designed to complement professional care
Whether someone is waiting in a hospital, travelling, sitting in a workplace or simply taking a quiet moment at home, support is available immediately.
The Continuum of Support
The Space Between sits alongside existing support systems, not instead of them.
| Stage | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Something Happens | A stressful event, procedure or unexpected situation occurs. |
| The Space Between | Immediate support helps people navigate the waiting period. |
| Professional Support | Healthcare, counselling, education or workplace support becomes available. |
| Ongoing Care | Recovery, treatment and longer-term support continue. |
The Foundations of The Space Between
The Space Between is a framework developed by TLC for Kids to describe the period between recognising that support is needed and receiving that support.
It is based on almost 30 years of practical experience supporting children, families and healthcare professionals, combined with established evidence surrounding positive distraction, emotional regulation, guided breathing and patient-centred care.
While The Space Between is a concept created by TLC for Kids, the practical tools featured throughout this Knowledge Hub are informed by research and widely accepted practices used across healthcare, education, workplaces and community settings.
The purpose of this framework is not to replace professional care. Rather, it highlights the opportunity to provide immediate, practical support during the moments before that care becomes available.
Why This Matters
Research consistently shows that simple interventions such as controlled breathing, positive distraction and grounding techniques can help reduce perceived stress, improve emotional regulation and support people during challenging moments.
The Space Between is about recognising that support does not always have to wait.
Sometimes the most important support is the support that is available right now.
Our Philosophy about the Space Between
At TLC for Kids, we believe support shouldn’t always begin when an appointment starts.
Sometimes the most meaningful support is the support that’s available right now.
Whether someone is waiting in a hospital, preparing for an important conversation, travelling, or simply navigating one of life’s unexpected challenges, even a small moment of calm, focus or positive distraction can help bridge The Space Between and whatever comes next.
That’s why we’ve spent almost 30 years creating practical, immediate support that’s free, accessible and available when it matters most.
Because while we may not always be able to change what’s happening next, we can often change how we experience the moments before it.
Continue Exploring
The Space Between is supported by a range of evidence-informed techniques and practical resources.
You may also be interested in:
- Breathing Techniques
- Box Breathing
- Figure 8 Breathing
- Guided Breathing
- Needle Fear and Needle Anxiety
- Helping Children During Medical Procedures
- Workplace Wellbeing
- Waiting Rooms
- Travelling with Confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
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Explore More About Positive Distraction
Learn more about Workplace Wellbeing
Written by TLC for Kids, an Australian charity supporting children and families during serious illness since 1998.
The Space Between reminds us that while we may not always be able to change what’s happening next, we can often change how we experience the moments before it.
Content Information
- Published: 9 July 2026
- Last reviewed: 9 July 2026
- Reviewed by: TLC for Kids
- Evidence reviewed from peer-reviewed research and recognised health organisations.
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