A GROUP has issued a fresh plea for support ahead of getting its official charity status confirmed.

Talk Listen Care provides emotional and mental health support through, mostly by way of counselling, to people in the Braintree district.

It was set up by private counsellor Clare Reeve to provide a safe haven for young people struggling with mental health issues.

The group has applied for official charity status, but has been unable to find a permanent base in the town.

Chairman Sinead Yates said: “We are looking, but unfortunately everywhere in the area is really expensive.

“The one we found above Manze’s pie and mash shop was a really great price, it would have been great.

“We are looking for another to rent initially, although it would be more economical to own one.”

The group, which can use rooms at the Carousel Centre, is hopeful it can find a site in Braintree town centre as most mental health support services are offered out of the area in Chelmsford or Colchester.

A Just Giving page set up with the aim of helping achieve charity status only managed to raise about £500 out of a target of £2,500.

Ms Yates added: “Every penny will be going straight back in to the charity, but we are not up and running yet.

“We are waiting for people to get back to us about the charity status, but there is quite a waiting list at the moment. Otherwise we are pretty much ready to go.

“We want to make sure we have absolutely everything in place first.”

Talk Listen Care has organised a meditation retreat for next Friday, which will run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

An art taster day will also run on August 24 and a fun day on August 27.

For information on events or to donate visit talklistencare.org