Central Notts MIND — Chad's charity for 2008 — knows the importance of having a shoulder to cry on or simply needing someone to talk to when working through such difficulties — and makes everyone feel welcome at its activity centres in Mansfield, Kirkby and Sutton.

The charity is currently seeking to raise around £30,000 to modernise these buildings, but each of them already offers a relaxed environment and a friendly volunteer or team leader to help people experiencing any form of mental health difficulties.

The centres host a wide range of activities throughout the week, including music, games, bingo, quizzes and discussions and is an ideal place for people to meet up with friends over a cup of coffee.

Central Notts MIND general manager Girish Ravat says the activity centres provide a relaxing environment where people recovering from mental health difficulties can escape to for support, company and advice.

He said: "The whole recovery process is full of good days and down days. But the most important thing for those working through their difficulties to remember is not to stay in and shut themselves away when they are having a bad day.

"Instead they should come to the centre — even if its just for an hour or so — to talk to others and join in with a variety of activities that we run.

"People are free to come and go as they please and getting out of the house — even for just a few hours — can make a huge difference and ultimately get people well on the road to recovery."

Anyone wanting more information about the activity centres 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 trustees to sit on its Mansfield board of directors.

The role will involve attending a monthly meeting and helping to make strategic decisions.

Preferably trustees will have experience of voluntary work or running a business.

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