New Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Facebook page launched

Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has launched a mental health Facebook page to publicise health and wellbeing information for local people.

The new Facebook page – @mentalhealthargyllandbute – provides health and wellbeing information daily.

Nicola Gillespie, HSCP’s local area manager for mental health, said: “I am really pleased that the Health and Social Care Partnership is expanding its use of social media such as Facebook.

“This is an excellent platform to reach more people in our rural communities and will also be helpful to share awareness of mental health problems and reduce the stigma.

“The HSCP’s Mental Health Facebook page is overseen by HSCP staff and only provides information that is available on the NHS inform website and national mental health organisations and partners.

This means that people accessing the service can be assured of the accuracy of the information they view.

“This is really important as more and more people are using online methods to access information on a range of health services, including mental health, and it is really important that the websites they access provides trusted and accurate information.

“It is also important to highlight that the Facebook page is not an alternative for people seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment on any personal or family mental health situations. People should always seek the advice of their own GP or other qualified health and social care professionals with any questions they may have regarding a mental health condition.

“I am really looking forward to developing this Facebook page further and would encourage people in Argyll and Bute who are experiencing mental health problems to have a look at the Facebook page for themselves.”