A vital mental health charity in Cumbria is urgently calling on more people to step up as trustees.

Carlisle Eden Mind, which supports more than 1,000 adults a year, has lost half of its trustees this year and more are needed to ensure the charity's aims continue to be fulfilled and that its funds are correctly managed.

As many as four more are needed.

Neil Billingham, news editor at ITV Border, has been a trustee for about a year.

The 45-year-old, of Scotby, who also volunteers for the Samaritans, has previously spoken out about having depression.

Eight years ago he was travelling the world as a sport journalist and he suffered a breakdown.

He said it didn't come out of the blue. The signs were there, as pressures in his life built up, and it wasn't just triggered by one event.

He described the illness like a piece of grit on the sole of your shoe where one piece would barely be noticed but after a while if the shoe picks up sereval pieces it affects your ability to walk.

"For me mental health is a massive issue and it is only going to become a bigger issue," said Neil.

"The younger royals have really brought mental health to the fore which has put it on the political agenda.

"If you are raising the profile in the media it means it gets taken a bit more seriously by the politicians."

With his experience and role in the media, Neil can help raise the profile of Carlisle Eden Mind while other with different skill set can bring their specialisms to the table.

He continued: "You might get someone who is an accountant or a solicitor for legal advice.

"The idea is to get people from all backgrounds and professions.

"If you are going to be a trustee it needs to be a charity you are happy about. If you are really passionate, it's definitely worth getting involved in."

Ruth Bushi, a freelance writer, joined as a trustee in May.

She had worked with the Samaritans in London, before moving back to Cumbria about three years ago. She wanted to continue doing something that supported mental health.

"It is something that affects all of us in different ways. If it hasn't affected you personally, it has affected someone you know," said Ruth.

"It is just staggering the number of people - even just wanting to have someone to talk to. It's quite a sad reflection of society."

The trustees ensure the charity - which offers training and advocacy across the whole of Cumbria - is safeguarded, able to run for the long-term and that it meets legal obligations.

They don't need to have experience providing mental health services, just a passion for making sure the support is there.

Carisle Eden Mind needs to generate more than £500,000 every year to be able to deliver its services.

The charity provides support, advice and advocacy to children, young people and adults.

It has trained more than 2,000 teenagers in understanding mental health issues and how to support their friends as well am more than 2,500 frontline workers in the county in mental health and suicide prevention skills.

There is a Time to Change Hub supporting individuals and organisations to tackle stigma and discrimination related to mental health problems.

Trustees meet one Monday every other month. Call 01228 612220 543354 for more information.