Theft saddens charity boss

The head of a mental health charity said he was saddened and angered by a theft of donations from its offices.

A total of £500 cash and cheques worth £4,000 were stolen from CASY (Counselling and Support for Young People) Newark, which helps people aged from six to 25.

The donated cash and cheques were in a tin that was believed to have been taken while three counsellors were with clients at their base on London Road on Wednesday, August 1.

Mr Mick Mason, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We run on very tight margins and any cash that we raise goes straight to the direct services we offer.

“We do not have any volunteers so we fundraise as and when we can between our jobs.

Mr Mason said the money had been intended for a new project supporting the siblings of the people they help, who, he said, were sometimes forgotten.

He said: “We have been supporting people with mental health issues in Newark for 20 years.

“Last year alone we helped 1,700 young people.

“We continuously work hard to provide the best counselling and help we can.

“It is horrible that someone would steal from us.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or has any information, should call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.