A CLYDEBANK charity is highlighting the importance of men opening up about their mental health.

Improving Lives has expanded its Men's Walking Group to include another day due to demand.

The organisation previously held the gathering every Monday, leaving from their hub on Dumbarton Road, but the group now runs on a Tuesday as well.

It launched last month after the charity received feedback that there was a gap in the market for such a service.

And Kevin Crawford, co-founder of Improving Lives, was keen to highlight that support is available for those who are struggling.

"We deal with a lot of clients who have mental health issues," he said.

"A lot of them are male and have found it hard to come forward in the past to talk about their struggles.

"So, we had been thinking about how we could create a support group but also make sure that anyone who attended was not put under pressure to talk.

"We wanted to try and combat social isolation while getting clients out with like-minded people.

"The aim is to get people out in the fresh air and to have some banter.

"If those who attend want to speak to other people or seek advice they can but there is no pressure."

Kevin highlighted the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment to help those who attend the group to open up if they have any concerns.

And despite the fact the walking group is less than a month old, he feels it is already having an impact.

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"We have been told by a lot of the family members of people who attend the group that they usually wouldn’t open up to people and have struggled in the past to make conversation," he continued.

"However, when they attend the group they open up. It is great to see people open up and be themselves."

The Men's Walking Group caters to those of all abilities, from short walks around Dalmuir to day trips to Loch Lomond.

And Kevin insists the feedback from those who have attended so far has been positive.

"I feel the guys who attend the walking group are getting a lot out of it," he added.

"We were getting feedback that one day was not enough so we have decided to do Tuesday as well and if there is demand for that to be increased then we can add more days on.

"Everyone who has attended so far has been very enthusiastic. Exercise is vital in terms of looking after your mental health.

"The guys who are coming along would usually just sit in the house on their own but now they have a regular thing to go to twice a week."