Mental health charity’s future secured by merger

A charity that helps hundreds of people with mental health problems is to continue its work as part of a larger organisation.

Funding problems forced Newark Mind to cut its services in June, but it is now joining forces with Central Notts Mind and Bassetlaw Mind to create Nottinghamshire Mind.

The newly-formed organisation, which will launch in October, will be able to review the needs of those living and working in the Newark and Sherwood area.

Money raised in the Newark area will still be used to support local people.

Two months ago, Newark Mind, based on London Road, had to close its doors to avoid running out of money.

The chairman, Mr Geoff Dowell, said at the time it was a tough decision to stop drop-in services and taking telephone calls, but he was optimistic a way forward would be found.

The previous centre-based services delivered by Newark Mind will be replaced by new, community-based services designed to address the changing needs of local services users.

Nic Roberts, who will be chief executive of Nottinghamshire Mind, said: "Mental health provision by the NHS, and health and social care, has been changing rapidly and, as a result, Mind organisations up and down the country are responding to that.

"Minds locally have been working together to identify gaps in provision and look at ways to respond to local needs to ensure no one has to face mental health issues alone.

"A point of contact will be established in Newark from October, where service users and carers can get information, guidance and support.

"Additionally, and to reassure all of our wonderful local fundraisers, funds donated to Newark Mind after the closure will be ring-fenced for use in the Newark area.

"Local fundraising and developing community support will, therefore, continue as a vital part of ensuring the local provision of community-based mental health support and services."

Newark Mind business co-ordinator Sarah Robinson said it was vital that businesses that had pledged to support Newark Mind continued to do so.

At the time of its closure in June, the charity was helping 90 people on a regular basis and had 300 people on its books.