Shropshire charity celebrates 40th anniversary

Shropshire Mind offers a non judgmental service that anyone can use in person or over the telephone.

The headquarters in Shrewsbury offers a drop in service and support groups and weekly sessions are run in Ludlow, Market Drayton, Bridgnorth and Whitchurch.

Invited guests and supporters joined Shropshire Mind volunteers at the centre in Observer House, Holywell Street on Wednesday to celebrate all the charity had achieved in the last 40 years.

It was an opportunity for people to see the facilities, find out more about the charity, what it can offer and what their money has contributed to.

Manager Heather Ireland said: "We have been lucky to have been supported by very many people and we would like to say a great big thank you to them all.

"Shropshire Mind would not exist if it was not for peoples generosity and thoughtfulness.

"Some of the supporters this year have been The Rotary, The Masons, The Lions Club, Dorrington WI, Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, the Ludlow Quakers and Wesleys' cafe in Ludlow, Shropshire Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group."

She added: "We have also received money from local business's like the Abbey Deli, Royston Blythe hair salon, the Garden Beauty rooms, the Severn Valley Railway, local supermarkets and the Barnabas Church, to name a few.

"Lots of people support us in many ways, Dan Sumner ran the Shrewsbury half marathon and raised money to purchase two benches that are now outside Observer house that people who use our service can use on hot days like today.

"Ann Lane, a volunteer of 12 years donated money that was given at her husband's funeral.

"This bought a TV screen and DVD player that will be used for cinema nights and training events that will also help to continue to raise future funding. This is a very precious gift."

Shropshire Mind now has an allotment and from August 1 will take over the running of the shop in The Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury.

Mrs Ireland said: "This new venture will enable us to support people's recovery."

Shropshire Mind was founded in Wellington, Telford 1974.

Mrs Ireland said: "To those two have steered it along its journey to enable it to still be here today, they have all played an important role and are not forgotten."

The Shropshire Mind centre in Shrewsbury is open seven days a week from 11am until 3pm for a drop in service as well as various groups that all help support people.

The charity is always looking to recruit new volunteers and anyone interested can call 01743 368647 or visit www.shropshiremind.org