A MENTAL health charity will receive more than £5,000 thanks to the fundraising efforts of Greenfields staff and residents last year.

Workers and residents voted to support Mid and North East Essex Mind throughout 2018 and managed to raise an impressive £5,325.

Hannah Woods shaved off her shoulder length hair, while colleague Mitchell Simmons managed to raise £655 by having his legs waxed.

In August, Debbie Mitchell and Natalie Williamson raised £565 by running the 31-mile Stour Valley Ultra Marathon and cash has been raised through bake sales and casual dress days.

Jenny MacPherson, from Mind, said: "We would like to thank everyone at Greenfields Community Housing for their support over the past year – it has been fantastic to work alongside staff and see their motivation and passion for the cause.

"The money raised from the partnership will go directly to funding services in the local area for those experiencing a mental health problem.

"Thank you to everyone involved in making the partnership a success."

In 2019, Greenfields is supporting Farleigh Hospice with staff already donating unwanted Christmas presents to the charity.

Emma Palmer, from Greenfields, said: "As an organisation, we believe that good mental health is as important as physical health.

"We offer initiatives and activities for staff and residents to improve their health and wellbeing, as well as referring them to supportive organisations like Mid and North East Essex Mind, where needed.

"We know the charity does fantastic work and are proud to contribute towards it."