WE'VE all made pointless new year's resolutions to help ourselves lose weight, quit smoking or learn Mandarin – but how about making a resolution to help other people?

Mental health charity Mind has urged people in Oxfordshire to make a real change in 2017 by volunteering at one of its two county shops.

The charity relies on volunteers in Oxford and Wantage to help with sorting, steaming and pricing donations as well as handling sales and customer service.

It may not seem glamorous, but every penny raised helps people suffering debilitating mental illnesses – including those in Oxfordshire.

Tiffany Ellison, who manages the Oxford shop in Walton Street, Jericho, only took up her post six months ago after a dramatic career change.

For nine years before that, the 44-year-old worked as a picture framer in the Covered Market, then one day she decided she wanted more.

Mrs Ellison, who lives in Kidlington, said: "I had been there for nine years and it that time I had framed most things you can frame: I had given the job all I could give it.

"I had worked for charity years ago – the British Heart Foundation – so I had some background in it, and I just thought it would be nice to give something back and help other people.

"Now I am thoroughly enjoying it."

Across the UK, Mind has an army of over 1,800 volunteers in its shop, but the charity does not ask for a minimum commitment of hours, so some volunteers only help out a few hours each week.

As a result, managers are always looking for more people willing to lend a hand.

Regional manager David Elvidge said: "Volunteering at the Mind shop in Oxford is a great way to give something back to the local community and it also provides a chance to develop new skills or build work experience, and can even support you in obtaining a NVQ.

"Our volunteers need no prior experience and we just ask for a commitment of two to three hours per week."

Volunteering is not the only way to support the Mind shops in Oxfordshire: donating unwanted Christmas presents can be as good as making cash donations.

Mind says each bag of donations is worth an average of £30, and good quality items can be worth more.

Founded in 1946 as the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH), Mind now provides advice and support to empower people with mental health problems.

It also campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

To register your interest in volunteering at a Mind shop visit mind.org.uk/mindshops or pop in to the shops at 118 Walton Street or at 6 Market Place, Wantage.