But at Central Notts MIND –– Chad's charity for 2008 –– staff instantly put visitors at ease and thoroughly enjoy helping those in need through the recovery process.

The charity employees around 35 members of staff at its Mansfield, Kirkby and Sutton centres, who are there to raise awareness of the organisation and the work they do while offering visitors advice and support.

Central Notts MIND worker, Sofia, first began working for the charity as an administration assistant/receptionist in April 2003 but, as her interest for mental health grew –– so did her involvement with the organisation.

"I have always had a keen interest in mental health and saw working for MIND as an opportunity to gain more knowledge and skills in this field," said Sophia.

"During the past four years my level of involvement with clients and volunteers has increased considerably and I now assist our volunteer co-ordinator in recruiting potential volunteers and supporting clients respectively.

"Working for an organisation such as MIND has made a significant difference to my perception of mental health and I hope that since we have become the Chad's adopted charity of the year it will also change the general public's view of mental health for the better.

"I have found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. My only sincere wish is that we were supported more, particularly financially so that MIND can continue to help and make a difference to people's lives within the community."

Family support scheme co-ordinator, Liz Moore –– who has been with the organisation for 26 years –– says she thoroughly enjoys her job and finds it very rewarding to help others through their difficulties.

"The reason I have stayed working for MIND for so long is the same reason I applied for the job in the first place," she said. "I thought that helping people struggling to cope with a relative with some form of dementia needed help and there didn't seem to be a lot of help around at that time.

"I can give no better reason for being at MIND than the satisfaction of knowing that we have helped thousands of people since I joined and that hopefully we can continue to provide day care for the dementia sufferers and their carers into the future, as the ageing population is growing and the service is so popular with carers.

"Funding is always an issue, but the service does help keep people within their own homes for longer and is cheaper than long term care –– I can honestly say that I love my job."

So for anybody wanting to speak to someone about their mental health difficulties they should not shy away from visiting Central Notts MIND's centres, which are full of caring and dedicated staff, just like Liz and Sofia –– who are waiting to help people through challenging times and get them on the road to recovery.

Anybody wanting more information about Central Notts MIND or who would like to organise a charity event or make a donation to the charity should contact Girish Ravat on Mansfield 658044.

Central Notts MIND is looking for trustees to sit on its Mansfield board of directors. The role would involve attending a monthly meeting and helping to make strategic decisions. Preferably trustees would have experience of voluntary work or running a business. Anybody interested in becoming a trustee should contact Girish Ravat on Mansfield 658044.