Mental health charity leaders in Perth and Kinross have welcomed the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Six adults from six households can now meet outdoors with travel restrictions to other council areas also lifted.
The Lighthouse for Perth manager Sharon Thomas feels that bringing the decision forward “absolutely” makes a difference.
“The younger ones, it is especially affecting their mental health,” she said.
“We have only seen the tip of the iceberg as far as that is concerned and we are going to be dealing with this for some time to come.
“It is a step forward and everybody says they are always on their social media and their phones, but we will see young people put them down for a bit.
“They have missed the socialising so badly.
“Those that are struggling and need to get back to normality and meet up and relax with others.
“Almost every young person I have spoken to has mentioned struggles with COVID lockdown, particularly people in the more rural bits can now come in to town and cross council borders to see family.
“That is massive.”
Andys Man Club Perth co-founder Alex McClintock echoed Sharon’s sentiments that the expanded outdoor meetings will help those struggling.
The point was emphasised even more when he revealed that the group nationwide has grown exponentially - from 28 groups to 44 - since last March.
He said: “Throughout COVID we have nearly doubled in size.
“We also started the Bag O’ Chips walking group where different people from different walks of life can meet up at a distance for a chat.
“The fact people can go out and see people is so important.
“Especially now that the sun is out over the weekend will help.
“The fact we can travel now is also going to be huge and can allow people to get back to some sort of normality.”
