A MENTAL health charity that fought back from the brink of closure has launched a drive to recruit trustees and form a volunteer fund-raising team to secure its future for years to come.

Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Mind hit a financial crisis earlier this year due to funding cuts and falling donations, leaving it with a shortfall of £20,000 which meant it was unable to continue operating into the next financial quarter.

But after receiving more than £25,000 in donations, its 17 staff and 60 volunteers are able to continue supporting 1,000 with mental illness each year through its seven projects across the region.

Now SWR Mind is asking people to consider becoming a volunteer member of its board of trustees or helping fund-raise for them by sparing a few hours each week.

The charity is particularly keen to hear from people with experience of finance and accounting, human resources and who have an understanding of mental health issues as well as a strong commitment to challenge the stigma surrounding it.

For more information, email info@swrmind.org.uk or phone Sophie Hall on 01723 588008 or go to www.swrmind.org.uk for more details.