Mental health rights group picks up prize

THE organisation which looks after the rights of mental health patients in the city's psychiatric hospital has been recognised for its commitment to volunteering.

The Royal Edinburgh Hospital's Patient Council was handed the Inspiring Volunteering award at a recent ceremony.

The organisation aims to make life easier for people at the Morningside hospital, and relies heavily on volunteers to keep it running successfully.

Vice chairwoman Alison Robertson said: "Many changes have taken place because a patient has felt comfortable enough to raise an issue with one of our volunteers.

"Improvements have been made to the food, the ward environment, relationships with staff, activities on the ward - the list is endless.

"We give service users an opportunity to express their views on wider issues."