But for people with mental health difficulties leaving home is an obstacle to be faced day-in-day-out and not just in the New Year.

Central Notts MIND – Chad's annual cause for 2008 – recognises these daily challenges and is on hand to help those with mental health difficulties break through their safety barriers and take the first steps on the road to recovery.

The most difficult hurdle for them to get past when putting the pieces back together is getting out the house and mixing with different people – something the rest of us do everyday with very little thought.

And this is why MIND runs a variety of relaxed drop-in sessions at its Mansfield, Kirkby and Sutton centres, which will help people gradually build up their confidence while getting the help and support they need.

Central Notts MIND general manager Girish Ravat told Chad that once people step outside their comfort zones and attend the drop-in sessions it is not long before they build up their independence.

"For those with mental health difficulties the first step to recovery is certainly having the confidence to leave their homes and begin to mix with others again," said Girish.

"Once they have overcome that initial fear it is not long before they are attending social events and even organising their own.

"The drop-in sessions, which we run several times a week, provide support for people who have mental health difficulties and are also available for people living with stress or who feel isolated or in need of company.

"At first people may like to bring along a relative, friend or carer for support but normally within a few sessions they feel confident enough to come alone.

"Project leaders will make them feel welcome, while providing them with advice, support and guidance and they will have the opportunity to mix with people who are in a similar situation."

MIND runs general drop-in sessions throughout the week at its centres, which provide an opportunity for people to talk about their difficulties and the different services available to them.

The charity's coffee mornings, which are run between 10am-12.30pm every Monday, are also a great opportunity for people who are experiencing difficulties to get help while making new friends in a relaxed environment.

And in addition separate men's and women's groups are run weekly by MIND to build people's confidence and include them in a range of activities, trips, arts and crafts.

•Anyone wanting more information about the drop-in sessions and groups or would like to organise a charity event or make a donation to Central Notts MIND should contact Girish on Mansfield 658044.

•Central Notts MIND is also 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.

Anyone interested in becoming a trustee should contact Girish on Mansfield 658044.