Caring Florence first started working for Central Notts MIND as a finance officer after retiring 22 years ago and has since found herself doing more and more for the charity as its grown throughout the years.

Florence has now progressed further to become Central Notts MIND's fundraising officer, working hard to organise charity events and raise the awareness of mental health difficulties.

And as if working for one charity is not enough, she also actively raises funds for other organisations and has even taken up a word processing course through West Notts College to get her computer skills up to scratch.

"I always said I would do some charity work when I retired which is how I came to be involved with MIND and I have done more and more work with them as the charity has expanded," says Florence.

"I am very busy but I like to keep active and help others as much as possible plus I think MIND is a great charity in raising awareness of mental health difficulties and helping people to overcome them.

"One in four people will experience a mental health difficulty at some point in their life and yet mental health is the cinderella of all charities and does not get as much funding as others.

"I visit one of the charity's centres at least once a week and it's nice to see people progressing and secure in the knowledge that they can turn to MIND if they do not have anyone else to help them."

And in recognition of all the hard work that Florence carries out in the community, she has been invited to the Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in July to be praised for the time she dedicates to help others.

"I was very emotional when I first found out I had been invited to the garden party but it's really nice to know that I am appreciated," she said.

"I love helping people and believe Central Notts MIND does great work within the community so I will continue to support it for as long as possible and hope others will too."

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

•Central Notts MIND is looking for volunteers to help support people with mental health difficulties. Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Girish Ravat on Mansfield 658044.