A charity which cares for people with mental health problems is settling into its new home.

Barnet FC footballers Mark Byrne and David Stephens cut the ribbon at Mind in Barnet’s new headquarters, the Dove Centre, in North Finchley.

The former care home in Christ Church Avenue features a purpose-designed counselling suite on the second floor and three self-contained flats at the back of the property.

There is also a community café, meeting rooms, a ‘hub’ with comfortable chairs and a training kitchen where people can learn cookery skills.

Mind in Barnet chief executive Christina Meacham said: “It’s great having all the services we provide under one roof, developing a peaceful space for counselling.

“The exciting new flats, which are currently occupied by three homeless people, are a safe space for people to recover without being far from others.”

Mrs Meacham added: “It was great Barnet FC could come down to open the offices and show their support for the work we do. They’ve already offered us premises for any events we do.”

The charity is hoping to challenge the current climate of austerity by developing partnerships with other organisations, fundraising for new projects, providing new services that can be purchased by those using them and letting space in the building to help other organisations.

Mrs Meacham added: “Mind in Barnet looks forward to a dynamic future providing a wide range of services to improve mental health and wellbeing in the borough.”

Lawyer and board member for many Barnet charities, Jose Grayson praised Mind's work at the opening.

The Mill Hill resident descibed his own experience of mental illness, which led to the loss of his job, marriage and nearly his life.

He said: “Mind had faith in me and gave me a job one day a week. They gave me an opportunity to rebuild my life and helped me engage with life."