A KIDDERMINSTER based charity is urging Wyre Forest residents to help lonely people this Christmas.

With figures claiming 84 per cent of people with a mental health problem feel isolated, the Mind shop, in Worcester Street, wants to ensure that no one feels alone during the festive period.

The mental health charity is calling for residents to visit the store and purchase a gift for a friend, neighbour, or someone in the community who might be feeling isolated.

Andrew Vale, director of Mind retail, said: “Even at Christmas, surrounded by friends and family, going through a mental health problem can be a very lonely experience.

“Many of us feel like there’s nowhere to turn or that other people won’t understand.

“Sometimes it is the little things that can make a person feel supported and less lonely and we need help from Wyre Forest residents to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone this Christmas.

“Many of us buy a huge number of presents at Christmas, but by purchasing just one gift from the Mind shop in Kidderminster, your support will help the one in four people each year who will experience a mental health problem.

“By passing on your gift to someone you know who might be feeling low, you can help Mind to light up Christmas for everyone.”

All the money raised at the Mind shop in Kidderminster will help fund the charity’s work including a free infoline, information and advice services.