A DUDLEY charity which provides support for people with mental health problems has benefitted from supermarket shoppers paying 5p for their carrier bags.

Dudley Mind’s ‘Growing in the Park’ volunteer group, which tends the walled garden at Wollescote Park, has been awarded £8,000 through Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme.

Drawing recognition last year from Stourbridge in Bloom and Dudley’s Greenspaces Volunteer Awards, the group is the latest cause to benefit from the supermarket putting its bag charges into the local community.

The money will be used to restore a large greenhouse so the group can run workshops and produce plants for sale.

However, Tesco customers can now increase the group’s award by voting at local stores until Sunday (March 6), with winning projects awarded up to £12,000.

Jill Hogan, of Dudley Mind, said: “Working outdoors in company aids recovery from anxiety and depression and helps maintain wellbeing.

“All equipment and materials are bought through our plant sales and fundraising.

“The dilapidated greenhouse needs re-glazing and adapting to make it accessible. With the extra funding we could renovate a large cold frame and resurface paths around them.”

Dudley Mind provides support for people with mental health problems and promotes good mental health in the community.

For more information about the charity, or to follow the group’s progress, search for ‘Growing with Dudley Mind’ on Facebook, or call 01384 442938.