A COMMUNITY Facebook page is asking its members to help raise Christmas funds for a local mental health charity.

North Berwick News And Views raises funds each Christmas for charity and this year has chosen to support Stepping Out, based in the town.

Stepping Out works with adults suffering from mental health problems, offering a wide range of activities and support, working in groups and on a one-to-one intensive basis.

It helps with confidence building, decision-making, independence and wellbeing, and aims to improve quality of life.

Dave McGregor, a page admin of the Facebook group, said: “Every year for the last five years, the admin team of Facebook group North Berwick News And Views have run a charity fundraiser in the lead-up to Christmas, raising funds for a local cause or charity.

“With the support of the local community, over £5,000 was raised last year for the Community Cheer project based at North Berwick Community Centre – a record year!

“Every year, the admin team try and choose a different cause or charity to raise for and this year decided to ask the group for ideas.

“Stepping Out was one of the many suggestions offered and was one that struck a chord with the admin team.

“This year, more than ever before, people are suffering in silence with their mental health issues. We wanted to raise awareness about the fact that we have Stepping Out right here in North Berwick, doing amazing work supporting people in our community, and at the same time raise some much-needed funds so they can continue the work that they do.

“Mental health still has that stigma attached and people don’t want to talk about it. We are not going to be able to do much to change that, unfortunately, but if we can help point someone to Stepping Out then that will help that person.”

Nicky Fox, of Stepping Out, said: “Stepping Out is a mental health charity working with people from all over East Lothian with severe and enduring mental health issues. We are also dedicated to the advancement of public education and understanding of mental health issues.

“Sadly, in this current climate, fundraising has never been more difficult, so more than ever we appreciate and are so thankful for local people supporting a local project such as ours.

“This is an example of community at its best. It means so much to so many, and funds raised will be used to support over 50 people with enduring mental health issues in East Lothian.”

The Facebook page team are hoping to raise £2,000 for the charity.

To make a donation to the Stepping Out fundraiser, visit gofundme.com/f/north-berwick-news-views-christmas-fundraiser