MENTAL Health Awareness Week is bringing focus to the responsibility we all have to each other in recognising when others need help. Although the pandemic is nearing its end here in the UK, it is thought that the fallout from its effects on mental health will be with us for years to come as many people face the challenges of the return to what is regarded as normality. Locally, the focus on mental health has been sharpened by a number of agencies and self-help groups set up to give support. Awareness of our metal health is nothing new of course, and here we look at some pictures taken over the years that have highlighted its importance. Sport in its many forms is regarded as very important in keeping our mental health in check. This picture taken in 2007 features some of the men who took part in a mental health football project in Greenock Sports Centre.

A LARGE group of walkers braved the elements for this picture before heading off round Greenock's Battery Park on their mental health sponsored walk. The rain and wind didn't dampen the enthusiasm of those who got involved in the walk back in 2003.

THIS shot features school children who took part in an Inverclyde Council Mental Health Awareness Day art project in which the kids depicted its importance to them in paint or poetry. In the group is St Patrick's Primary School pupil Amy Shearer, who went on to become a Telegraph reporter and recently championed our Greenock Telegraph Health and Care Awards.

MAN On Inverclyde celebrated when founder Chris Paul brought home an 'outstanding achievement' accolade from the Greenock Telegraph Health and Care Awards. Chris and his team have stepped in to provide support to many in the Inverclyde area both before and during the trying times of the pandemic.

ANOTHER team that has been making a big impact on positive mental health is Inverclyde Shed. In a short time, the group has set up a host of initiatives that have helped battle loneliness, build community resilience and promote self-confidence for many our community.