A WEST Devon mental health charity recently welcomed a new member to its dedicated team.

The Trustees of Make A Difference, in Tavistock, announced the appointment of Christine Daniel as administrator/project manager of the charity. The post has been made possible by a grant by the Devon-based Claire Milne Trust.

Christine lives in Yelverton and went to school at Plymouth College. She recently graduated from Kingston University with a BSc in forensic science and criminology. While there, she spent much of her spare time working tirelessly as a volunteer as well as enrolling as a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police.

Her most notable achievement was setting up 'Project Phoenix' at Kingston University — the aim was to raise awareness of mental health issues among students. As a result of her outstanding diligence, energy and enthusiasm, Christine was chosen to be the Volunteering England Gold Award for Achievement winner for 2011.

Her brief for Make a Difference is to raise the profile of the charity in and around Tavistock. She will be looking to recruit volunteers to assist with the running of Trident House, its base.

Christine said she was already planning an exciting programme of events for service users: 'I'm loving it here so far, I'm really enjoying myself and everyone has been so kind. I will be organising fundraising events and I will be putting together a programme of events such as art lessons, computer lessons and cooking lessons for people to learn new skills in a safe environment, and maybe be able to get some employment out of it.

'I really want to bring the community awareness of the charity up to a higher level — they're offering a really good service here and we need to let everyone know about it.'

Make a Difference is a drop-in centre for people who have had or continue to have mental health problems. Anyone is welcome to visit, have a look around, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and use the facilities.

If you would like to help the charity or become a 'Friend of Make a Difference, Tavistock', contact Trident House on 01822 613746 and leave a message, call Sandy Edney on 07766 768048, or visit http://www.makeadifferencetavistock.co.uk">www.makeadifferencetavistock.co.uk