And that is why the organisation is getting its wheels in motion early to raise funds for a new minibus.

Without a minibus, Central Notts MIND's most popular services would not be able to function –– including the family support scheme which allows people who cannot use public transport to access MIND.

A new vehicle sets the charity back around £30,000 and, with rising petrol and maintenance bills,l the charity is finding it more difficult to find spare cash to put towards a new minibus.

Previously, it has taken the charity three years to raise enough cash to replace the old vehicle –– but determined to keep Central Notts MIND open to all those in the area with mental health difficulties, the charity has started raising cash for a new minibus at the earliest opportunity.

Central Notts MIND general manager Girish Ravat says the minibus is equipped with a wheelchair lift to enable clients with mobility issues to access the service.

"The service provides pick up for clients, who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's conditions, from their homes and then takes them to the centres where they are looked after for the day," said Girish.

"This gives the clients a change of scenery and also to gives their full-time carers a chance to have some time to themselves.

"In order to keep running this vital service we need to gather funds ready to replace the our current minibus when it becomes too old and expensive to maintain. Every donation, no matter how big or small, is always greatly appreciated."

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.

Chad is on the look out for a new charity for 2009. Organisations interested should write in with details of the charity and details of a project for which funding is required. The charity must directly benefit the Mansfield and Ashfield area. Previous adopted charities have included the British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Nurses, Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.