A MENTAL health charity which is facing closure is launching a final push to raise £6,000 to remain open.

Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind runs seven major projects, including three in Whitby. But the charity which employs 17 people is facing major funding problems.

An appeal to raise £20,000 has so far raised £14,000. Established over 50 years ago the charity supports almost 1,000 people with mental illnesses as well as people with learning disabilities and autism.

Sophie Hall, Head of Services, said three staff have been made redundant and two projects cut as they battle to survive.

“We’ve had some great pledges of support, we just need this final push. Without this help many isolated and vulnerable people will be left alone at a time when they need us most., we do help save lives. We are not a charity shop, we don’t get funding through them,,” she added.

Karen Spoors,42, from Whitby who suffered mental health problems after two strokes says the charity’s support group has been a lifeline. “It gives so much support and it’s a way of making friends. I felt quite isolated before I joined. It would be disastrous if it closed,” she added.

To donate go to www.swrmind.org.uk