MEMBERS of a community support group have described how they’ve embraced the bitterly cold winter weather to form new friendships and boost their physical and mental health.

The group, fittingly called Taking the Plunge, began as five or six people coming together as autumn gave way to winter.

But in the space of a few short weeks the group now has more than 300 followers on Facebook - and more than 1,000 on Instagram.

Taking to the cold waters of local lochs and natural pools for the immediate health benefits of cold water exposure - metabolism boost, aiding of the immune system, a better mood - the group grew into a positive thing for the local community, raising cash for local charities and food banks.

As well as taking dips in the bitingly cold waters of Loch Lomond, Loch Humphrey and other natural pools in the area, the group’s social media feeds also feature pictures of members getting out and about on the area’s snow-covered hills.

A spokesperson for the group told the Reporter: “We were struggling from mental health problems, so started using the water for its health benefits.

“During the second lockdown we created a WhatsApp group chat to help keep morale going through what is a tough time. Everyone’s got their own battles going on.

“It was intended for maybe five to six people which then led to more than 80 people locally in the group.

“We were going out and and into the water at Balloch - all safe, all socially distanced - and from there the group just exploded.”

The group see themselves not just as cold weather exposure enthusiasts, but as a sign of what it means to come together as a community to face the challenges of lockdown as one.

They continued: “We were doing walks - we posted positive mental health quotes at the tree at the Stoneymollan roundabout.

“We were holding weekly Zoom calls to give everybody who is vulnerable a space to be able to share.

“Everyone’s morale had seriously dropped. There were businesses getting torn apart left right and centre throughout the community.

“We needed it for the support it’s given to people. It was needed and we benefitted so much.

“We’ve set out to do an event every month, whether it’s cold water challenges or walking the West Highland Way - but we’re snookered with all that until the restrictions have lifted.

“When they’re lifted, we’ll get to see each other as a group again.”

To find out more search Instagram for taking_the_plunge1 and search Facebook for “Taking the Plunge community support”.