The Co-op in Dalbeattie staged a “Blether in the Park” session in support of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
The informal event at the bandstand in Colliston Park offered advice on help available to anyone who has been self-isolating in recent months.
SAMH is the Co-op’s current charity partner with the retailer’s staff, members and customers involved in a range of national and local fundraising.
The link-up with the Co-op will enable SAMH to deliver new services to support better mental wellbeing in communities.
Co-op member pioneer for Dalbeattie David Bonshor organised the session.
He said: “As our community is coming out of lockdown we’re now promoting our links with SAMH to signpost people to their services.
“Our Blether in the Park was the first of a number of events to help get our community up and running again.
“My colleagues in the Co-op Dalbeattie store and I supported many customers during the lockdown by taking telephone orders and arranging delivery of shopping for people who were self-isolating.
“The support from store manager Diane and her team during that time was second to none.”
A similar event is pencilled in later this month.
“Watch out for our Blether on the Beach in a couple of weeks,” Mr Bonshor said.
For information on becoming a member pioneer at Co-op stores in Castle Douglas, Newton Stewart, Gretna or Wigtown contact Bob Shipway, member pioneer co-ordinator for Dumfries and Galloway at bob.shipway@coopmembers.co.uk or on 07917 413987.
