People living in Lothian can now access a new website dedicated to helping them manage their own wellbeing and mental health and get information on available support and services.
The Wellbeing Lothian website (wellbeinglothian.scot) has been designed by an expert team of NHS Lothian psychologists and practitioners. It aims to help people navigate the range of online self-help advice by providing a hub of trusted information and resources, which are known to be effective.
Dr Belinda Hacking, Director of Psychology NHS Lothian and Consultant Clinical Psychologist explained: “The pandemic has been a source of worry and anxiety for most people. During these difficult times it’s vital that we take positive steps to look after ourselves. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and managing our wellbeing is a really good place to start.”
The website hosts a wide range of self-help resources on topics from managing weight and sleep to dealing with stress and anxiety. It also offers information on how to access online courses such as computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for those who are interested in learning more about these techniques. All the resources are free.
Dr. Donna Gilroy, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Lothian who coordinated the development of the website said: “We know people use different things at different times to improve their mental health. That’s why we’ve created a resource people can access when they need and where they feel comfortable.
“You can search the website for support on different things, such as improving your mood or coping after a break-up and find out more about normal reactions to these situations, which can help to reassure people. You can also choose whether you want to learn, assess, manage or get support about an issue or condition.”
Wellbeing Lothian was designed with support from Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnerships. It includes a section with links to relevant services and organisations in each regional area and beyond.
Dr Belinda Hacking added: “It was important we designed a credible website based on what we know works well. That’s why you’ll find bite size video and audio clips from health professionals and service users, as well as easy read guides and tutorials.
“We hope it will be a valuable resource for people, particularly during lockdown, and we encourage everyone to explore it.”
Scottish Conservative Edinburgh Southern candidate, Miles Briggs, said: “Wellbeing Lothian is an excellent initiative to provide practical mental health tools for people who are struggling.
“The past year has been incredibly tough, with the stress and uncertainty of Covid-19 being bad for many people’s mental health.
“This website is not a solution for the mental health challenges we are facing in Scotland, but part of the solution, providing access to resources for supporting people to maintain good mental health.”
Anyone can access the website online at wellbeinglothian.scot.
The resources will be reviewed regularly and updated to address people’s feedback and needs.