A CHARITY which supports people with mental health issues has been given more than £345,000 towards developing its services.

Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre, in Norton, will use the award of £345,235 from the Big Lottery Fund to build on its current activities which include a daytime drop-in service, community café, volunteering and personal support.

A pop-up service will be delivered in community spaces and village halls, and evening drop-in services will be offered in Norton, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside with peer support and volunteers on hand.

A weekend "Not Lonely on a Sunday" therapy and social club will also be available, along with IT and food hygiene training which can be put into practice volunteering at the community café.

Next Steps manager Leisa Burniston said it was fantastic news and would provide security for the charity, as well as securing local jobs.

"The charity supports people with mental health issues, disabilities, including isolation and loneliness in Ryedale, providing a drop-in centre, activities and outreach groups," she said.

"Our ultimate aim is to develop self-confidence for members and volunteers, improve their work prospects and access to statutory services, help support positive family relationships and prevent isolation and loneliness.

"Our community café uses local produce from our allotments and we have just started delivering meals in the community, delivered by volunteers on a bike with a basket, providing a service to the elderly in the community.

"The volunteers are gaining exercise, integrating into the community, boosting their esteem, confidence and also making friendships and networking into society.

"We support people who are isolated, lonely, depressed or just need some support and every penny helps.

"It has given us the security to develop our services for the next five years which is very rare in funding these days.

"These funds will also enables to take on staff and secure jobs for local people, it is fantastic news for Next Steps."

The charity will be holding a family fun day on Sunday, from noon to 4pm at Spencers bar and grill in Pickering. Activities will include games, a raffle, barbecue and a visit from "Batman".