A new initiative supporting men's mental health has been launched in Stroud.
Dudes & Dogs encourages men to get out into the open air, accompanied by a dog or two, to walk and talk.
The scheme began in Bristol and has since expanded across the country, with Kieran Yarwood leading the first Stroud walk last weekend.
"I am all too aware of the affects mental health conditions have on people, from my own social anxiety and from others I know, with much more severe issues," he said.
"I have seen how something like that can manifest itself, in someone close to me, and I want to do what I can to help others in similar situations.
"With Lulu the Golden Retriever by my side, I will be leading small groups of men on walks, with an opportunity to discuss anything from the weather or how beautiful my dog is, to their deepest, most closely guarded issues.
Lulu on Selsley Common
"Mental health struggles are at a deeply troubling high, so we want to do what we can to address those, with the Dudes recipe that works so well."
Free walks starting from The Grove on Selsley Common are taking place at 10am every Saturday during April and 10am every Sunday from May 2.
Participants do not need to bring a dog, but are welcome to do so.
Walks are limited to a maximum of six. To sign up go to dudesndogs.co.uk/pages/walks
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here