Mental health drive targets thousands in high-rise blocks

Published on Friday 2 October 2009 10:15

THOUSANDS of residents living in the city's high-rise flats are to be targeted in a drive to improve their mental health.

The city council has teamed up with the charity Breathing Space to provide information to around 5000 people.

It will see information on mental health and wellbeing given to the residents of flats in areas such as Muirhouse, Wester Hailes and Leith, including a key ring with Breathing Space's contact details.

Health chiefs have long identified people from more deprived areas as the most likely to succumb to depression and mental health problems.

The scheme was the brainchild of Betty Stevenson, who is the convener of the Edinburgh Tenants Federation.

She said: "We have to make sure people who have mental health problems get the support they are entitled to and that all agencies work together to achieve this.

"I raised concerns at the meeting of a working group and, as a result, the Mental Health Awareness Group was formed with the purpose of supporting residents in multi-storey blocks.

"One of the initiatives is the key fobs, which we are sure will help those in need."

There is no shortage of evidence linking a poor state of mind to the city's most deprived zones. Earlier this year, the Evening News revealed that in the Clovenstone and Dumbryden area of the city there were 793 people prescribed anti-depressants.

Other places like West Pilton, Granton and Craigmillar were also among places where people were most likely to be affected.

In contrast, a far smaller number of people in wealthier areas like Cramond and the Braids required help for depression.

It is hoped this initiative will encourage people to seek help rather than turn to self-harm or even suicide.

Breathing Space national co-ordinator Tony McLaren said: "Living in a multi-storey block can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and many tenants may be struggling with a whole range of issues from mental ill-health to money worries to relationship break-downs. The key fobs literally put our phone number in the palms of their hands."

Councillor Norman Work, who is the city's vice-convener for social care and housing, added: "

It is important residents are aware of the help that is out there."