ONE of the region's leading mental health charity has launched a drive to recruit more volunteers in Ryedale to help transform the lives of people living in the local community.

Through its seven projects, Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Mind (SWR Mind) supports 1,000 local people every year with a range of mental health problems.

The independent charity currently has 50 volunteers, many of them helping people through its Side by Side Service, helping people step on the road to recovery giving social, emotional and practical support, as well as providing information and advocacy so they can lead fuller and more active lives.

SWR Mind is greatly in need of more people wanting to volunteer for Side by Side as there is currently a waiting list for people wanting help locally. The charity is also in need of volunteers to help with fundraising and administration along with a whole host of other opportunities.

Training sessions for new volunteers will take place next month over four evening sessions at Falsgrave Community Resource Centre in Seamer Road, Scarborough.

Natalie Miles, volunteer co-ordinator for SWR Mind said: “Mind’s volunteers come from all walks of life and don’t need any experience of mental ill health to join our team. They just need a desire to help others and willingness to commit time on a short, medium or longer term basis.

“Volunteering can be a great opportunity to use existing talents and develop new ones, undertake new activities, make friends, build confidence and make a positive contribution to your community.”

SWR Mind offers full training, out of pocket expenses, group support and development sessions, employment or educational references and thank you events.

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Mind phone volunteer co-ordinator Natalie Miles on 01723 356562 or email natalie.miles@swrmind.org.uk

For more information, go to swrmind.org.uk