Taking steps to improve mental health

A SERIES of health walks to promote exercise as a way to improve mental health are to be held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh next week.

The walks have been organised as part of National Depression Week, which starts today, and comes as a new survey showed there was an overwhelming demand for access to depression prevention programmes in Scotland.

As part of the week, Depression Alliance Scotland has launched its "Mood Matters" campaign to raise awareness of things that people can do to improve their mood and assist in the prevention of depression.

Asked what they felt would be best for preventing new cases of depression, respondents to a survey on the issue picked free or low-cost activities such as exercise, access to green space and healthy eating as beneficial.

Ilena Day, chief executive, said: "Given the opportunity we can all take responsibility for addressing early signs of stress and depression to help us to feel, cope, and live better."

Three free walks will be taking place at RBGE on Tuesday, 22 June, starting at noon, 2pm and 4pm from the John Hope Gateway on Arboretum Place.