This is why the charity opted to work closely with other agencies and groups through the North Notts Mental Health Partnership, which brings together people who use mental health services as well as those who supply them.

The partnership, which is based at Mansfield CVS, was first set up around 1998 to enable the voice of people who use health services throughout Nottinghamshire to be heard.

Service users attend the forum to allow organisations, who support people with mental health issues, to learn what works well and exchange ideas on how to improve their services.

The partnership meets monthly to identify local issues, strengthen its partnership and work towards one of its key goals –– to remove the stigma attached to mental health.

Central Notts MIND general manager, Girish Ravat, says the partnership plays a vital role in helping to shape the future of the charity.
"The partnership meetings provide a great opportunity for me to speak to service users throughout the county and network with other organisations," said Girish.

"Not only does it give us a chance to listen to each others ideas but also to work together on issues that affect people with mental health difficulties in Nottinghamshire."

Anybody 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 Ravat on Mansfield 658044.