A HOUSING developer has donated hundreds of pounds to a mental health charity focussed on encouraging men to communicate about their wellbeing.

Bellway has kindly given £500 to Talk Club Colchester, which hosts fortnightly meetings at the Odd One Out pub in Mersea Road, on Tuesdays from 7 to 9pm.

The funds from the firm, which is constructing new homes at Hollytree Walk and Aspen Walk, will be used for running costs and leaflet printing to promote the group.

Steve Barnard, community manager at Talk Club Colchester, said: "The Talk Club has grown into a force for good.

"The organisation now runs over 80 clubs around the UK and over 3,000 men in its community.

"We offer talk and listening groups, talk and exercise groups and Talk Club Therapy.

"The kind and generous donation from Bellway will enable men in Colchester and surrounding areas to come to a safe, confidential place, without judgment, for free."

Jenny Walker, sales director at Bellway Essex, said when they heard about the work being done by Talk Club Colchester they were more than happy to reach out and make a donation.

She said: "We hope that our contribution can help the club continue to provide its invaluable service which allows men in the Colchester area to have a safe space where they know they can go and really open up and not be judged."