Accessing East Lothian’s new mental health and wellbeing information is a piece of cake

ONE in four people will experience some form of mental health issue in their life* and for many individuals and their families, it can be a lonely, frightening and worrying time.

Residents living in East Lothian are now able to access information about local mental health and wellbeing services from a new website, www.eastspace.org.uk.

Jamie Morris, from NHS Psychological Therapies, commented:

“If someone is worried about themselves or a friend or if they are a carer, a health professional or simply want to find out more about mental health and wellbeing services in the area, the website will signpost them to appropriate services and help them to make informed choices.”

The website was developed by key partners NHS Lothian, who fund the project; Health in Mind, who manage the website; East Lothian Council; CHANGES community health project and service users, their carers and workers.

Gary Smith from the CHANGES community health project said:

“As well as helping people to make informed choices about treatment and care, the website can help someone to explore self-help opportunities and maintain their positive mental health and wellbeing.”

The website Service Directory contains easily accessible information such as:

• Contact numbers for anyone needing immediate help
• A Service Directory highlighting  eighty-eight different, local organizations
• Fact sheets covering a variety of topics from “Advocacy” to “Volunteering”
• News, Events and Training opportunities
• Self-help
• Help for a Friend
• Recovery
• Optional e-bulletin.

Flora Sharp, Health in Mind Information Resource Worker is the website administrator and she commented: “The website will enable local people to access the information they need at a time and a place of their choosing.”

*NHS Health Scotland – Scotland’s mental health first aid manual

ENDS

 For further information contact Doreen Graham, Health in Mind Communications Manager on  0131 243 0137  (direct) or  075 9000 9953  (mobile)

Caption: Left to right – Jamie Morris, NHS Psychological Therapies; Flora Sharp, Health in Mind Information Resource Worker and Gary Smith, CHANGES Community Health Project.

Contact: Doreen Graham
Phone: 01312430137
Email: doreen@health-in-mind.org.uk
Website: http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk