A new mental health assembly is being set up to explore ways of improving the wellbeing of people living in Scotland’s capital.

The group is part of an initiative which brings together the council, NHS, charities and academics to make the city a “world-leader” in tackling mental health issues.

Inspired by similar projects around the world, Thrive Edinburgh was launched at a conference last week attended by 150 people, including speakers from Thrive New York and Thrive London.

Recommendations on a programme of actions and activities will now be fed into the assembly, which will meet three times a year.

Lord Provost Frank Ross, chair of Thrive Edinburgh, said the city offered a fantastic place to live and work with a “quality of life that is second to none”.

However, he added: “It's an ideal environment for wellbeing but when you scratch beneath the surface, there are still too many citizens who aren't receiving the help they need.

"Perhaps this is down to stigma, modern city living or that help can be hard to access. With an ageing population, loneliness can be a major issue while others might not realise they're struggling or know where to turn.

“It's time we got to the root of mental health in Edinburgh and to do this, we need to join forces as a city.”

Judith Proctor, of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, which is also spearheading the project, said poor mental health is an important public health challenge.

“Edinburgh is held in high regard for its commitment to mental health initiatives and is often looked to as a place of best practice.

“We have a chance to build on this by collaborating with charities, universities, companies and schools.

“We can be truly world leading if we work together.”