A DROP-in café which provides support to young people in Cardigan has been awarded a £1,400 grant by Tesco.

Depot, run by local charity Area 43, and based on Pendre, is said to provide ‘a safe, fun, informative and inspiring environment for young people to access support and empowers them to express themselves by engaging them with the issues that affect them’.

Founded in 1996, Area 43 offers information, support and training to 14-25 year olds, and counselling services to those aged 4-30.

It has a strong focus on supporting those who are socially, educationally, economically or geographically disadvantaged or who have a disability.

Area 43 CEO Rachael Eagles said: “Having access to these safe spaces is more important than ever for young people in the wake of the pandemic.

“Mental health issues are on the rise and young people need places where they can feel safe and supported to address these issues, engage with others and alleviate isolation and loneliness.

“Depot provides this to the young people of Cardigan.

“Food (and drink) is important in community engagement, enhancing opportunities and getting people to congregate and chat.

“Those that eat together, speak together, and those that speak together, collaborate.

“Tesco’s Community Grants have helped Depot to provide subsidised food and drink to young people in Cardigan - thank you to all the Tesco customers who supported us to receive this grant.”

Tesco Community Grants, the in-store scheme where customers vote with blue tokens for community projects and groups, has been helping community groups and charities across Wales and the wider UK since 2016.

Claire de Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We want to reward fantastic groups who make such a difference to young people and families in their local communities, and are pleased to be able to support the tireless work of charities like Area 43.”