A SPIRITUALIST church has handed £400 to a mental health charity.

Open Arms Spiritual Haven, in Grays, which has been open for three months, raised the money for Thurrock MIND.

The Haven, based at Belmont Hall, Parker Road, is a non-profit making organisation which provides holistic and alternative practitioners, card readers and healers.

Jay Gage, of Open Arms Spiritual Haven, said: “We want to be able to give back to the community by supporting local charities.

“Our sole aim is to provide comfort and spiritual help to our visitors.

“Many of us have been touched by mental illness either directly or indirectly, and we can think of no more useful purpose for our money than to support this worthwhile cause.”

Thurrock MIND, based in Bridge Road, Grays, was represented at the evening by their new chief executive officer, Lynne Evans, who gave a talk on the services they offer.

She also explained how the money raised by the haven would go towards some much-needed new seating.

For more information on Thurrock MIND, call 01375 391411.