Dundee Healthy Living Initiative aims to help local people take care of their mental wellbeing as well as their physical health. Although 1 in 4 people in Scotland (and more in less well-off areas) can expect to experience at least one episode of mental ill health, we tend not to think much about our wellbeing until we, or someone close to us, are affected by mental or emotional difficulties.

Whilst we are becoming more aware of the need to care for our bodies, for example by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, we often ignore the 'control centre'...our minds... until things begin to go wrong. Many of us with experience of mental health difficulties feel isolated due to fear of stigma and discrimination. Others may wish to provide help and support for friends, relatives or other community members but may lack the knowledge, confidence or experience to do so.

Dundee Healthy Living Initiative offers opportunities for local people to participate in arts and drama sessions on an occasional basis. Working in association with Dundee Rep and Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, the DHLI has organised workshops and courses that allow local people to explore their creative side in order to explore health issues, enhance confidence and self esteem, develop new skills, learn to relax and make new friends.

Arts groups supported by the DHLI have exhibited their work at the McManus Galleries and the DCA, and are now self sustaining within their communities. A video drama of the Young Parent's Drama Group in Whitfield was critically acclaimed at the International Film Festival in 2006.

What Local people say:

• Great therapy, really enjoyed working with clay and learning about it. Liked the atmosphere and the people
• The group is very good, you can relate to a lot of the situations and it shows you can change your way of thinking to cope better
• The jewellery represents how I see myself in different roles - a wife, mother etc. and how these roles define my self identity