Shropshire mental health charity thanks volunteers as support groups see 40 per cent rise in visitors

A Shropshire mental health charity has paid tribute to its volunteers after seeing a sharp rise in demand for its services.

Shropshire Mental Health Support said its daytime peer support groups welcomed 3,909 visitors during 2025 - an increase of 40 per cent compared with the previous year.

The charity, which supports more than 13,500 people annually across the county, is joining organisations across the UK in celebrating Volunteers’ Week from June 1 to June 7.

Heather Ireland, chief executive of Shropshire Mental Health Support, said volunteers play a vital role in delivering services across Shropshire.

She said: “We are so grateful to our volunteers. Every one makes such a positive contribution within SMHS, from driving the wellbeing vehicle and supporting the allotment group to facilitating the peer support groups that are held every week.

“We couldn’t provide the high-quality mental health support to our community without their involvement.”

The charity said volunteers support a wide range of services, including its wellbeing vehicle, peer support groups and Calmer Cafes, which have recently expanded into Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Market Drayton and Ludlow.

The organisation has grown in recent years and currently has a workforce of 92 people, including 41 volunteers, 32 contracted staff, relief workers and trustees.

Ms Ireland said volunteering had also helped many people build confidence and develop new skills. She added: “We are currently recruiting for several volunteer positions within the charity. So, if you feel you can offer support and a listening ear to those who need support, please get in touch for an informal chat.”

Among them is Paul, who started volunteering with the charity in 2022 before securing a job there.

He said: “Volunteering has been life-changing for me; it improved my confidence and people skills. It gave me a purpose in life, a routine and a reason to get up in the morning.

“After struggling with my own mental health for years, I am now a different person. This is largely due to helping others and feeling like I am making a difference in other people’s lives.”

Shropshire Mental Health Support said it is currently recruiting for several volunteer roles and encouraged anyone interested in supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties to get in touch.

For more information about volunteering opportunities, visit www.shropshiremhs.com or call 01743 368647.