MIND appeals for volunteers in Ryedale (From Gazette & Herald)

MIND appeals for volunteers in Ryedale

11:45am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

A LOCAL charity is appealing for more volunteers to help support people with mental health problems in the community.

Healthcare services have been among the hardest hit by recent government funding cuts and Community Mental Health Teams are increasingly relying on the work of mental health charities, such as Scarborough , Whitby and Ryedale Mind.

Chief executive Julie Nichol said about a third of their service user referrals last year were from statutory mental health services or local authority agencies.

“SWR Mind relies on the support of our wonderful volunteers, without them we simply could not do what we do,” she added.

“The volunteer team continues to provide social, emotional and practical support, information and advocacy, helping people with mental health problems to become more included in their local community.”

Mind is the leading mental health charity for England and Wales and provides information to help promote understanding of mental health while campaigning to create a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all.

SWR Mind needs to recruit more volunteers, particularly in Ryedale, to continue to support people with mental health problems in the community and numerous volunteering opportunities are available, short, medium and long-term.

Ryedale volunteer Chris Miles said: “I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer but as I run my own business I was concerned about how I could fit everything in.

“Volunteering with SWR Mind has been great as I have been able to take up volunteering opportunities that fit in with my lifestyle, often one-off pieces of work such as helping someone to write their CV or to practise interview skills.

Chris added: “Don’t think for a moment that supporting as a volunteer is all about the person being supported. Of course this is your primary focus, but the experience and friendship you gain as a volunteer is invaluable and so rewarding.

“I feel so fired up for my person who is embarking on a whole new chapter of her life and I am proud to say that I have played a small part in that.”

For more information phone 01723 588008, email info@swrmind.co.uk or visit the website www.swrmind.co.uk