An award-winning initiative to help NHS staff communicate with older patients is to rolled out across Scotland.

Pocket Ideas is a book filled with ready prepared ideas to initiate a meaningful conversation with older people.

Activities are divided into five sections: communication, games, physical activity, music, and culture and well-being.

Elderly patients or staff can then choose from pictures, inspirational quotes, questions and activities to stimulate discussion.

The project created by the activity team at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, aims to promotes increased self-esteem, reduce the risk of low mood and encourage patients to achieve their own goals.

The tiny tool, small enough to fit in a uniform pocket, is currently finding its way to every health board in Scotland, as well as to the health and social care partnerships plus third sector organisations.

Occupational therapist and project manager Andrea Boyd said: "How we approach people matters. It helps us to engage people in purposeful activity.

"It might not seem like a lot, but even five minutes with an older person can enhance their quality of life.

"We wanted to design this tool not just to begin a conversation, but to encourage people to think about how to have a meaningful moment in time."