MEMBERS of Make a Difference in Tavistock were invited to talk to Whitchurch WI recently about their vital work with people with mental health problems.

Sandy Edney, trustee and secretary of Make a Difference, told members how the charity was founded back in 2005 to fill a gap in the support for people in the area. It moved to its own premises, Trident House at 2 Taylor Square, in 2010.

The charity offers a friendly, welcoming environment where anyone who has mental health issues, or has experienced them in the past, can join in activities such as board games, arts and crafts and pottery or just enjoy a cuppa with friends.

Charity chairperson Dr James Allenby, also at the meeting, told the Whitchurch members more about what forms mental illness can take and described how people suffering from them cope with symptoms and feelings.

Make a Difference receives no government funding, so fundraising is crucial. Recently, the charity held a successful fundraising evening at Lamerton Village Hall, where Alex Leger talked about his time as producer of the BBC children’s programme Blue Peter, sharing memories and video clips. The evening raised £300.

Sandy, a mental health social worker by profession, said the talk at Whitchurch WI, on October 2, had been a great opportunity to spread the word about Make a Difference, which as well as offering its own space also acts as a ‘hub’ for other mental health groups.

‘Most of the people at Whitchurch WI had never heard of us, and we have been going for seven years, so it is a great way to raise awareness,’ she said. ‘We are now the only mental health charity in Tavistock that has a base here, and I think that having a resource such as ours is really important. We are now a hub for mental health services in the town. Alcoholics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous both meet here, and Led by Dreams, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, also has a base at Trident House.’

To find out more about Make a Diffference call 01822 613746 or Sandy on 07766 768048.