Old Kilpatrick Food Bank joined with Men Matter, a men’s mental health hub in Drumchapel, to provide sanitary and health products as well as mental health to Clydebank’s men.

Maureen Cummings, founder of the food bank, contacted directors of Men Matter, Gregor Ritchie and Fraser Devine, to organise a wellbeing day at Clyde Shopping Centre last week.

The groups reached out to shoppers with the offer of a goodie bag but provided men health care, deodorant, showergel and a leaflet about Men Matter.

The idea for the day came after Maureen gave out over 250 female goodie bags a few weeks previous, in a bid to provide free sanitary products to women and girls, as colleges and work places remain closed and period poverty remains a prevalent issue.

The mental health and wellbeing day was a huge success, according to both groups.

Maureen told the Post: “There is still a lot of stigma around issues such as mental illness, depression, food poverty and isolation.

“To ask people to reach out, or even to expect people to approach you when you are labelled as a ‘charity’ can be quite difficult, so we decided to give out goodie bags as an olive branch, to raise awareness and get people talking.

“Due to the pandemic, circumstances have changed and people are unable to actually meet up with a therapist or speak about their issues.

“It was amazing to see how Men Matter engaged with men and the day was a success in every way.”

Fraser added: “The event was brilliant, we handed out 450 flyers with information about we also spoke with many men who opened up and said they were struggling as there was nowhere for help.

“We had a few booked in for one to one sessions and also encouraged many guys to come to the hub and see what we are about and get involved.”

The foodbank and Men Matter are counting to offer their services to people in Clydebank and the surrounding area, with all social distancing adhered to.

Men Matter also offers a Bro’s Brunch, Monday to Friday from 10-12pm for free, with hot and cold breakfast options and the opportunity to chat with others.