A GROUP that supplies a vital service to people recovering from mental health problems needs urgent help to survive.

Winsford MIND, based in Dene Drive, has been a popular drop-in centre for people with mental health difficulties since 1991.

But Kath Griffiths, senior day care worker at the centre, says that the group desperately needs both volunteering help and a cash boost if it is to carry on with the good work.

Kath said: "We have a staff shortage at the moment and we have been running on the breadline.

"We do everything we can to raise money, from sponsored walks to running a tombola and bingo nights, but it is not enough."

Safety regulations mean that the centre needs two workers there every day if it is to open and secretary Jill McQuaid said the centre would welcome people who could give some of their time to help.

She said: "We always need volunteers. If the group closed down then more people would be hospitalised and the most important thing is to get people back into the community."

Kath added: "The biggest problem with mental health is isolation and here the members have a chance to support each other.

"If this place does not open then the members have nowhere to go. We are the only voluntary drop-in group in mid Cheshire for people recovering from mental health problems.

"Some people we only see when they are feeling bad and some people come in 10 times a day. It's good having the centre here because the users can go to the shops, chemist or doctor while they are here."

But the organisation received a boost on Monday at Winsford Town Council's meeting.

Councillors described MIND as an excellent cause and decided to give the organisation a £300 grant to help.

The council will also consider making an annual donation at a budget-setting meeting in November.

Anyone who can help the centre should call Kath on 01606 863305.

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk