The new chief of a mental health charity wants residents to sign up for its Superstars fundraisers scheme.

Simon Dolby was this week appointed as chief executive of South Kent Mind, for the Dover and Deal and Folkestone and Hythe areas.

He said: “This is such an important time for mental health charities because of the pressures we are all under caused by Covid-19 and the economic and social impact of the lockdown.

“I am making my first priority to find people to take on fundraising challenges.

"Whether you organise an online quiz night, a socially distanced coffee morning in your garden or take on a socially distanced walking challenge – we would love to hear from you.”

Fundraisers will have their challenge promoted on the South Kent Superstars page on the charity’s website and through its social media platforms.

Money made will be used to strengthen its services such as courses on coping with anxiety, healthy sleep, food and mood, confidence and assertiveness, goal setting and self-esteem.

"14% of people will have problems such as anxiety or depression." Mind

Mr Dolby was previously the chief executive of the KM Charity Team and Inspire Schools which he led for two decades and delivered events including the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards, Kent Volunteering Awards and Kent Literacy Awards.

Its services included the walking bus and Walk on Wednesday initiatives used by more than 30,000 children and families at 100 Kent schools.

The adult population of south Kent is approximately 170,000 and at any one time 23,800 people (14%) will have a common mental health problem such as anxiety and depression.

A total 8,500 (5%) will have longer term and more complex mental health problems.

And 11,900 (7%) will have mental health problems associated with their physical health needs.

To sign up to be a South Kent Superstar call the team on 01303 250090, email contact@southkentmind.org.uk or visit the website southkentmind.org.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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