But Chad's charity for 2008, Central Notts MIND, has joined forces with three other mental health organisations — Mental Health Media, Rethink and the Institute of Psychiatry — to form 'Moving People'.

This is a programme which aims to reduce the stigma linked to mental health and is backed by the Big Lottery Fund and Comic Relief.

The group aims to improve the physical and mental well being of people who have experienced mental health problems and have a positive impact on how people in England understand mental health through national and local activities.

Moving People members have revealed the damaging effects discrimination and exclusion can have on the lives of those with mental health problems — but believe they are ready to take on the challenge of removing negative attitudes attached to them.

Positive

By working together the four mental health organisations aim to create a measurable positive shift in public attitudes and a reduction in discrimination.

And the group is asking everyone to support the fight to end mental health discrimination by getting involved in the programme.

Individuals can choose to get actively involved in the project or just receive updates about the work of the group.

General manager at Central Notts MIND, Girish Ravat, says: "People can be worried about visiting our activity centres because of the stigma linked to mental health — but if they do not seek help they cannot get better.

'Comfort Zone'

"The hardest part of seeking that help can be stepping out of a comfort zone into new surroundings.

"I'm sure if people were more positive about helping those with mental health issues, rather than discriminating against them, a lot more people would get the help they need.

"I would encourage anybody who believes they may have mental health difficulties to drop into one of our activity centres.

"And I would urge those who do not have mental health problems to back the Moving People project and help us in our bid to change public attitudes towards mental health."

• Anyone interested in becoming a Central Notts MIND volunteer or trustee or who would like to organise a charity event or make a donation to Central Notts MIND should contact Girish on Mansfield 658044.

• For more information about the Moving People project, click here.