A new partnership between NHS Lothian and sports trust Edinburgh Leisure will allow GPs in Edinburgh to refer adults with mild to moderate mental health issues to a 12-week programme of physical activity.

The programme, called Healthy Active Minds, will give all participants an activity action plan with a range of options based either in a leisure or community setting and including swimming, dancing, gym use, cycling and gardening and food growing.

The delivery and development of the scheme will be managed by Edinburgh Leisure.

Keith Jackson, chief executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: "Edinburgh Leisure is pleased to be working in partnership with NHS Lothian to launch this important new initiative.

"We will help to provide access to a structured programme of physical activity to assist those with mild to moderate mental health issues take their first steps to becoming more active for life."

Sheena Lowrie, Senior Health Promotion Specialist for NHS Lothian, added: "We are delighted to be able to offer GPs this additional service for patients with mild to moderate mental health issues.

"It is well recognised that physical activity and structured exercise plays an important role as a treatment option for people with mild to moderate depression. We anticipate that encouraging people to become more active and incorporate exercise into their daily lives will help them feel better."

A variety of other organisations are also involved in the scheme, including Edinburgh Community Health Partnership, WesterHailes Health Agency, Pilton Health Project and Health in Mind.