A new mental health hub for children and young people has been officially opened in Barry.
The Hangout, based on Tynewydd Road, is aimed at providing support for 11-18 year olds, including drop-in sessions, group activities and volunteering opportunities.
It's the first of its kind in the Vale after a similar hub was opened last year in Cardiff city centre by mental health charity Platfform and the local health board.
Since then, 417 young people have made use of the Churchill Way 'Hangout', equating to one new person each day.
Katie Simpson, a deputy manager at CAVUHB, said: "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."
"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."
“We are grateful to (the) Welsh Government for their support in funding the extension of The Hangout and are excited to see how the service develops and how those who use it make it a space they and other young people really value."
"We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with children and young people and Platfform to continue to develop and improve our services, recognising we can achieve more and deliver better services if we work together."
The Hangout works closely alongside specialist staff dealing with emotional wellbeing and mental health services in the region, ensuring young people can receive the best support "from the right people at the right time".
The new Barry hub will be open each weekday from 3-9pm and from 12-6pm on weekends and Bank Holidays, with children and young people welcome to drop-in and access support or to make a one-to-one appointment.
Sarah Hamilton from Platfform, added: "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."
For more information about The Hangout, visit the Platfform website.,
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