New mental health service opens in the capital

A new mental health service called Positive Steps officially opens in south west Edinburgh today. The aim of the Positive Steps project is to offer visiting support for up to 11 people experiencing mental health difficulties so they can live in their own homes and become more integrated in the local community.

Staff from the City of Edinburgh Councils Health and Social Care Department  will offer emotional support as well as supporting tenants in developing daily life skills such as shopping, cooking and looking after their home.

And with the service being available 365 days per year it will also provide tenants with access to community events, employment and education.

Another part of initiative is the creation of an involvement group for people using the service where they can share their views and have an input into its development.
 
Councillor Paul Edie, Health and Social Care Leader, praised the new community-based housing support service.
 
He said: This is an excellent service for people who have mental health problems in the south west of the city.
 
They will now be able to live in their own homes, achieve greater independence and feel they are part of the community. It will also help them manage and maintain a positive and healthy wellbeing.

Later in the year a further five people will benefit from the service.