In order to keep up to date with how busy lifestyles impact on an individual's mental health, members of Central Notts MIND – Chad's Charity for 2008 – attend meetings and conferences throughout the country to gather vital knowledge to assist their clients' recovery.

Covering everything from debt issues to unemployment, Central Notts MIND's volunteers and staff learn how certain situations can lead to mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety.

The most recent MIND conference held in June focused on a range of topical issues including the link between poverty, debt and mental health, homelessness and employment.

Central Notts MIND's general manager, Girish Ravat, says the conferences go a long way to finding links between people's lifestyles and mental health issues.

"During the conferences you get to meet different people from all walks of life who bring together different experiences and ideas of mental health," said Girish.

"Things change quickly and it is important for us to know how current affairs and situations are effecting mental health.

"These conferences involve talks, workshops and activities that keep us up to date with how current trends are linked to mental health.

"This year MIND is concentrating particularly on the links between debt and mental health – something which a lot of people can relate to and a main topic at the latest conference.

"We then bring what we have learned at the events back to our activity centres and use it to help our members overcome their mental health difficulties."

•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.