North Ayrshire residents joined in on a mental health walk and bonding experience as part of Time to Talk Day.

Volunteers Tommy Kelly and Cheryl Newall organised the Walk a Mile event for the mental health awareness day in Saltcoats on February 2.

The event saw strangers walk together in pairs as they were given conversation starter cards to encourage open discussions about mental wellbeing.

Irvine based Tommy said: “Talking openly about mental health is really important.

“I believe it really encourages people to be open about their feelings and let them know they aren’t alone. It can be the biggest thing to encourage them to take that first step and get the help they need.

“Speaking about your mental health creates supportive communities, breaks down barriers and it goes a long way to breaking down the stigma and discrimination that people struggle with every day.

“Listen to them, let them know that you understand and that it is okay, and it is a safe space, you aren’t going to judge them in any way.

“Listening to how they’re feeling can be a really big thing in itself.”

Afterwards, participants could visit the Ayrshire Community Trust office to play mental health bingo, chat about where to get help, and listen to a talk from someone who has experienced mental health struggles.

After two years of online activities due to Covid-19, Time to Talk Day has finally been able to welcome back in-person events.

In Scotland, Time to Talk Day is run by mental health charity See Me in association with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health).

For more info in Time to Talk Day visit: www.seemescotland.org/SeeUs