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A CLYDEBANK-based mental health charity has reported an increase in stress and anxiety as the coronavirus pandemic causes a major impact on normal day-to-day life.

Despite the country being in lockdown, Stepping Stones is still on hand to provide a wide range of services to West Dunbartonshire residents who are in need of support.

But to limit any spread of the virus, all face-to-face work has halted, unless it’s an emergency.

The charity has moved to a telephone support service and will be contacting their most vulnerable service members on a regular basis.

John White, operations director at Stepping Stones, told the Post: “We are seeing an increase in stress and anxiety over the pandemic and are supporting people by telephone.

“We know that if people start to display behaviours that lead to risks to themselves and others, we can contact the local community mental health teams.

Read more: Golden Friendships continue to serve Clydebank community amid lockdown

“They will see people face-to-face, where risk is involved.”

All support group activities have been postponed until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Mental Health Foundation Scotland charity found that three in ten (31 per cent) of Scottish adults had felt afraid because of the coronavirus pandemic. The poll data was collected on March 17-19, at a relatively early stage of the crisis.

Julie Cameron, associate director for the charity, said: “There were clear indications that the pandemic was beginning to have a significant impact on the nation’s mental health.

“We want to reassure people that it’s okay to feel stressed or anxious at this time, and it is highly likely that many of your family and friends will be feeling the same way.

“Over the coming weeks, it’s going to be crucial that we’re all able to talk openly and honestly about our mental health.”