Mind works to alleviate mental and emotional distress. As a local charity, York And District Mind relies on funding and support from the community in order to continue our important work for local people.

I can assure you all funds we receive go directly towards enabling us to provide services for people who are in mental and emotional distress, their friends and carers. We can only maintain our services if we have the necessary funding.

I am writing to let readers know of an opportunity to double donations to York And District Mind, as we are participating in The Big Give’s matched funding challenge.

Donations made this Christmas at theBigGive.org.uk will be doubled by the Reed Foundation and our trustees and major donors.

The scheme launches at 10am on Monday. The Reed Foundation money is limited so please get in early to ensure your donation is matched. To make your donation to York and District Mind go twice as far, simply follow the steps below:

1 Go to theBigGive.org.uk at 10am on Monday and search for York And District Mind

2 Click on the Double Your Donation button

3 Your donation will automatically matched by the Reed Foundation and our trustees

Once you have donated, please do tell your friends and family about this great opportunity to double their support for York and District Mind. Every person you tell could make your support go even further, so please do spread the word.

If you would like to learn more about the challenge and have any queries you may like answered visit thebiggive.org.uk/christmas-challenge-FAQs

For more information on York And District Mind go to yorkmind.org.uk or phone Mike on 01904 647014.

Mike Beckett, Director, York And District Mind, Castlegate, York.