A new mental health support centre for young people has opened in Barry.
The Hangout, located on Tynewydd Road, is a centre for people aged 11 to 18 to access mental health support.
The centre is open from 3pm to 9pm on weekdays and 12pm to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
It offers a range of services, including drop-in support, scheduled sessions, wellbeing-focused groups, and volunteering opportunities.
The Hangout is a joint enterprise between the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the mental health charity Platfform.
It aims to provide a space for young people to access the support they need, when they need it.
Katie Simpson, deputy general manager for children, young people, and family health services at Cardiff and Vale UHB, said: "We are really pleased to be opening The Hangout in the Vale of Glamorgan in partnership with Platfform.
"By extending the service and having a second venue, more children and young people in the region will be able to access emotional wellbeing and mental health support when they need it as well as a space for peer support and connection."
The Barry centre follows the successful launch of The Hangout in Cardiff in October 2023, which has been accessed by 417 young people.
Ms Simpson added: "Since opening The Hangout in Cardiff, we have seen the significant positive impact the service has on children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health, and it has been amazing to see the current provision evolve because of the feedback and support from young people who have used it."
Sarah Hamilton, head of service for children and young people at Platfform, said: "Platfform is really excited to be able to extend The Hangout project to Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan and offer the already hugely successful provision available in Cardiff.
"By building on the co-produced safe space for young people aged 11 to 18 to access drop-in wellbeing support in a local community-based location, we will enable more young people to get the support they need, when they need it."
More information about The Hangout can be found on the Platfform website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here