Garden theory over mental health

The project found real benefits could be obtained from gardening

Gardening and art projects can help people with mental health problems, according to experts at Dundee University.

Their results have been filmed by a group, who are also sufferers, and are being shown in the city.

It is part of a three-year research project which aims to eliminate discrimination and promote recovery from mental illness.

The gardening project was conducted in local communities.

The scheme helped people to integrate with their neighbourhoods and also challenged the stigma that can surround mental health issues.

Researchers also discovered that involvement in artistic projects enabled sufferers to be valued for their contribution.

A survey in January found that nearly half of schoolchildren in Scotland would keep quiet about a mental health problem for fear of being stigmatised.

The poll for the "see me" campaign also found one in 10 young people in Scotland have experienced mental health problems.