A Kingston charity helping to support vulnerable people with mental health issues, learning disabilities and other special needs is celebrating 25 years.

KAG Advocacy has set itself a £25,000 fundraising target to recruit and train volunteers and increase awareness so more people can benefit from its advocacy service.

The charity was founded by mental health worker Helen Clarke following the closure of psychiatric hospitals that would see formerly institutuionalised people put back into the community without any specialist support in the 1980s.

The charity, which is based in Canbury Park Road, Kingston, is now commissioned by a number of councils and funders for its services with chief executive Helen Clarke even being awarded an MBE for her work in 2011.

The first fundraising event will take place on today at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club with many more lined up for the rest of the year.