Those taking part in a walking initiative in Neilston were joined by Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur on one of their latest outings.
Neilston Well Walks launched at the end of October, following the success of a similar initiative in Barrhead, with group now meeting weekly on Thursdays at noon outside The Bank café, in all weathers.
The SNP politician and his constituency assistant Duncan McGhee headed out with the group along with Marc Jones of Neilston-based Coffee Roasters Scotland and the group's leader Anwar Rafiq.
Mr Arthur told the Barrhead News: “It was a pleasure to catch up with Anwar and the rest of the Well Walkers last week for a walk around Neilston.
“Projects like this in the communities of Renfrewshire South provide vital support for those who are experiencing poor mental health or social isolation.
“Despite the dreich February weather on the day, it was easy to see how these walks give those taking part an opportunity to get out and about in their local areas, exercise at their own pace and boost their physical and mental wellbeing.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my walk and the wonderful coffees provided by Coffee Roasters Scotland.
"Many thanks to Anwar and the other Well Walkers for inviting me along.”
The walks are open to everyone, regardless of walking experience, and generally last an hour and a half before the group grabs a quick post-walk coffee.
During the outing the group walked to Cowdenhall and Lintmill Dam.
They then finished up at The Pad, on Main Street, where they enjoyed a well-deserved coffee.
Resident and volunteer Anwar Rafiq, who leads the sessions on behalf of Include Me 2 Club (IM2C) added: “It was great to see Marc and the coffee was greatly appreciated.
“It was great support from a local company and business The Neilston Pad supporting Neilston Well Walks and IM2C.
“It was also great to see Tom Arthur and Duncan McGhee coming along to one of our well walks and talking to the group individually.
“It was great training for Tom and I’s Kiltwalk on April 30.”
Anwar is completing the Kiltwalk to raise funds for IM2C, while Mr Arthur is taking on the challenge for the Homeless Veterans Project.
Anwar's fundraising bid is already live.
If any local businesses would like to sponsor his shirt for the event, they are asked to send a private message via facebook.com/anwar.rafiq.73.
To donate visit https://bit.ly/3KoOnjS.
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