A HELENSBURGH mental health group has welcomed the community for a festive catch-up.

Males Tales hosted a “Christmas natter” which encouraged locals to drop in for a social session on December 21.

Founder John Lewis said: “It wasn’t a peer support group like we normally run, it was just a wee tea and coffee night for people in the area who were on their own.

“Christmas is a brilliant time of year for a lot of people but for some people it’s the complete opposite.”

Mr Lewis drew attention to the many people who are on their own as the area is a naval town.

He added: “There are lots of people whose partners are away so it’s good to give folk the opportunity to meet up with others.”

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The event was open to all ages and genders even if they have not previously required support from the charitable organisation.

And the reaction from the session was “really good”, according to John, who said “it was nice to have a wee talk”.

Employed by the Royal Navy for 25 years, John said his motivation to start the group was through seeing colleagues who were physically and mentally injured not wanting to talk about their problems.

The sessions have been a success with quite a few members forming their own friendship groups outwith it.

Meetings will resume as normal when the Drumfork Community Centre in Churchill re-opens on January 10, while a wellbeing weekend is planned for January 22 at the same venue.

A sister support group called Females Tales launched earlier this year; for more information on either organisation search for “Males Tales” or “Females Tales” on Facebook or visit the website at malestales.co.uk.