Imagine being in a place of complete isolation. A place where every day you dig a deeper hole for yourself and don't set foot out the door. 

This is how these Glasgow men felt before joining Menself+.

The East End group, which has been described as a community interest company, has been "life-changing" for men throughout the city since 2015.

Men, who have admitted that without Menself+, they would find themselves in total loneliness. 

The Parkhead-based group, which is hoping to soon achieve charity status, offers male-orientated support services through a range of outings, activities and group chats which are designed to help men with their mental and physical health.

From walking groups and online bingo, to five-a-side football and weekly men's groups, men are provided with a space to get healthy, socialise, and open up about their thoughts, experiences and emotions.

Glasgow Times:

Jim Malcolmson, 62, founder of Menself+, said: "With these services, we're helping men get on the ladder, not just up it.

"We build trust with them and give them a sense of belonging and allow them to see their worth. That's what we're trying to do here.

"We want to tackle isolation and loneliness in men, especially after covid, and give them the space to get things off their chest.

"It gives them a place to take a load off."

Glasgow Times:

Attendees can also take part in the MOT for Men programme, which educates men on cancer awareness, as well as how to check their prostate and keep their bodies healthy.

Menself+ is said to be helping between "80 and 100" people a week with their services, and attendees are certainly vouching for the usefulness of the organisation.

Glasgow Times:

Iain Gair, 59, from Shettleston, said: "I've been coming here for about a year-and-a-half and my confidence and mental health have definitely improved.

"Before coming here, I was in a lot of isolation and just wasn't getting out of the house.

"It's challenging when you first come in those doors, but you soon realise it's a safe space.

"Men don't often have a place to talk about their issues but here, men's issues are a priority."

Glasgow Times:

Jim Doherty, 75, from Parkhead, said: "I had a heart operation in 2016, and after that, I got into a bit of a rut.

"I stopped talking with my wife as much and didn't go out, and I got myself into a very isolated place.

"So, I started going to Menself's walking group and I started to build a bit of speed with it and really got going.

"Coming here has gotten me out of the house."

Glasgow Times:

Harry Machon, 75, from Parkhead, added: "In 2014, I had three brain operations.

"After them, I sat at home and just moved from one chair to the next, and no matter how much or where you move, the wall is still following you, and you're not getting out of it.

"But, coming here has been such an advantage, it's stopped me going into a bigger hole which I was digging for myself at home.

"I get out now, have a joke and a laugh and I'm very thankful for that and Jim."

Glasgow Times:

Willie Queen, 62, from Parkhead, said: "I come here, and I have a laugh with all the boys.

"In the last 10 months, I have become a full-time career and this group has helped so much with my mental health.

"Sitting here for a few hours just helps me relax and allows me to step back.

"It's life-changing."

Glasgow Times:

Billy Laird, 62, from Greenfields, said: "I used to be a lorry driver and being on my own never bothered me.

"But a few years ago, I had an operation and after that, I never left the house. I became a hermit.

"The doctor then referred me here and without this place, I would never have gotten out of the house."

As well as men's mental and physical health, the group also provides support to the surrounding community.

Glasgow Times:

Jim said: "As a group, the men decided to donate £300 for children at Christmas just there.

"We've also been giving out Asda vouchers to attendees as well as asking them to nominate someone they know to give vouchers to as well, to help people in the community with the current cost-of-living crisis."

"We have also helped with foodbanks in the East End and have helped provide free food to attendees too."

Menself+ has recently incorporated women into the roster. They have their own group in which to share and discuss their feelings, as well as a range of events and activities to participate in, including yoga and sewing.

For more information on the work Menself+ do, or to get in contact with the group, click HERE or HERE