A man has opened up about his journey from service user to group leader of a wellbeing initiative in Johnstone.
Tom Chalmers first joined The Buddy Beat, a weekly music workshop for those with mental health issues and additional support needs, in March 2008.
From there, the group helped him through what he calls the "most difficult period of his life" as he battled mental health issues.
The 50-year-old said: "The leading occupational therapist in Renfrewshire at the time realised that music-making could be beneficial for people struggling with mental health problems, and things grew from there.
"I joined in March 2008, and I instantly fell in love with the process.
"It has helped me so much and changed my life for the better, as I was previously in a really bad place.
"I want people who are in the same position I was in to know that things get better."
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The group now supports 21 people from Johnstone who live with a variety of complex needs.
It offers a safe, non-threatening environment where people can take part in workshops using djembe drums, percussion and singing.
Tom detailed the important work the group is involved in.
He continued: "It is an amazing feeling to now be in charge of a group that I was previously an attendee of.
"I decided to set myself up as a business six years ago. I didn’t know where this would take me, but it has taken me on an incredible journey, and I now have the best job in the world.
"Our youngest member at the moment is 31 and she has been going to the group for over a decade.
"The oldest member is in her eighties. I think it is a testament to the people in terms of what we do that we have such long-serving members."
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Tom took over the running of the group in January 2024, and he insists that the most important aspect of the initiative is its impact on the community.
He added: "The sessions are really varied which service users seem to enjoy.
"There is also an important social aspect to everything we do.
"The fact we can provide a little bit of respite to those who are struggling is something I take great pride in."
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