AS part of mental health awareness week Wiltshire Mind is reminding people of the importance of getting help and is looking for volunteers to take part in fundraisers later this month.

The independent mental health charity, based in Melksham, provides countrywide services to help towards a better life for people needing support or treatment for mental illness.

As mental ill-health affects one in four, from depression to eating disorders, Wiltshire Mind is encouraging people to seek help, as the earlier it is gained chances of a full recovery are improved.

Carolyn Beale, Wiltshire Mind chief executive, said: "If you had a problem with your arm you would go to the doctors, why should your mental health be any different.

“If you feel that things are getting on top of you and that you may have a mental health issue please seek help from your GP or Mind.

“Mental health conditions can leave sufferers confused and isolated, in turn leading to profound feelings of despair and even thoughts of suicide. We want to change this.”

Wiltshire Mind runs peer support groups and drop-ins which are available in Chippenham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Melksham, Trowbridge and Salisbury along with a counselling service available at the charity’s Melksham head office.

As it lost its funding from Wiltshire Council in 2010, the charity now relies solely on donations to raise the £100,000 a year needed to carry out its work and the two events this month are being held to raise much needed funds.

A golf day has been organised on May 21 at Kingsdown Golf Club, Corsham, with groups of four invited to attend.

The Wiltshire Mind golf classic is £120 per team with tee off times available from 10am onwards.

The charity will also be taking part in its first skydiving fundraiser in Salisbury on May 24 and is looking for people to do the dive or sponsor a jumper.

The dive is tandem and the jumper will need to raise a minimum of £350 for Wiltshire Mind which entitles them to jump for free.

Alternatively they can pay for the jump themselves, at a cost of £225, and then fundraise for the charity separately.

For more information or to get involved in the sky dive or golf day email office@wiltshiremind.co.uk or call 01225 706532.

You can also sign up for the golf event online by going to www.kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk/competition.php?compid=5135