AN innovative scheme to promote good mental health will be offered to Swindon residents next month.

Mind and Body at the Library will explore ways in which people can improve their mental and emotional wellbeing, while trying to break down some of the taboos and stigma surrounding mental health issues.

The scheme is backed by a partnership of local bodies including Swindon Primary Care NHS Trust, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust, MIND, the Swindon Occupational Partnership and Swindon Borough Council's Library Service. It is being launched with a series of free taster sessions in activities such as relaxation techniques, exercise, the arts, horticulture, and a computer based therapy demonstration, at North Swindon Library on April 26.

A spokesman said: "It is hoped people will find the taster session helpful and interesting and they will attend further stress-relieving sessions, which the organisers hope to run in Swindon libraries every two months."