PEOPLE who suffer with mental health problems and learning disabilities will be given an extra leg-up by a team who are going the extra mile to support them.

Next Stage, which provides care and support services for vulnerable adults, is taking great strides to ensure that those they help are given a boost.

Two members of staff from the Westhoughton firm have gained the skills and confidence to take large groups of people on hikes up hills each month.

This year alone they have tackled the national Three Peaks — Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike — plus Coniston, Pendle Hill, Kinder Scout, Grasmere, Rivington, Wayoh and Entwistle.

Lica Marchant, Director of Operations, who set up the project, said: “As an organisation whose focus is firmly on the wellbeing of its workforce a number of opportunities have been arranged to reflect how we collectively look after ourselves and each other.

“One example is through setting up wellbeing walks on a monthly basis.

“Research tells us that exercise and fresh air are two of the best ways to energise and invigorate.”

Alex Handley and Kimberley Beswick completed the two-day hill and mountain skills training course run by Mountain Training and the British Mountaineering Council in February, qualifying them to lead the group walks.

They learnt walking and navigational skills as well as life-saving skills including how to respond to hazards and emergencies.

Mr Handley, personalisation development lead, said: "There is no better feeling than giving people the opportunity to do something they never thought achievable."

He is looking to further his training and become a mountain leader next year.

A total of 84 people have already benefited from the hikes this year, covering a distance of more than 130km and climbing 8,522 metres.

One of the people they support, who joined them for a walk described it as “the best day of my life”, while another said “hiking makes me forget any bad thoughts.”

Among the participants are young people, who had never before visited the Lake District. Some of the young walkers have since given Next Stage feedback to say they are considering relocating to the Lakes in the future as a result of the exposure.

Kit and equipment for the expeditions has been provided by Alpkit, a firm which sells technical outdoor gear.