THE future looks uncertain for a mental health charity described as a “lifeline” for its vulnerable clients.

South Lakeland Mind told the Gazette it is “experiencing severe financial difficulties” because of the “difficult financial climate coupled with our inability to attract significant funding”.

The charity, based at Stricklandgate House in Kendal, says it is “exploring all possible options for either some or all of our services to continue”.

Back in 2014 South Lakeland Mind faced the threat of winding up just before Christmas, and launched its successful "message in a bottle" campaign to raise the £60,000 needed to survive.

Seventy-five clients currently use Mind’s free, confidential counselling service to help with depression and anxiety.

Outdoor therapy is also offered, and one-to-one peer support where trained volunteers visit people who feel isolated for a chat in their own homes.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has stepped in to try to help the charity keep going.

He told the Gazette: “Any threat to the future of South Lakeland Mind poses a threat to our whole community.

“Over the past week I’ve had regular discussions with trustees at the charity and with others so they can continue to serve the many people in our area for whom they are a lifeline.”

The Gazette contacted the charity’ s chair of trustees, Colin Reynolds, for a comment, and a statement was issued through Mr Farron’s office.

It said: “Discussions are ongoing with national Mind, our neighbouring local Minds across Cumbria, the local CCG (clinical commissioning group) and Tim Farron MP about how we can move forward and we are exploring all possible options for either some or all of our services to continue.

“We would like to thank all the staff, volunteers and supporters for their work and their professionalism during the last few difficult weeks – we will keep them updated as soon as there are any further developments.”

The charity has five permanent staff as well as many volunteers.

Back in January 2018 the Gazette reported that South Lakeland Mind was looking to recruit new trustees to help the existing board "provide strategic direction and oversight to the organisation".