MENTAL health charity HUTS Workshop in Newcastle Emlyn has received a big boost with a £350 donation from its local NISA store.

HUTS has been helping people with poor mental health for more than 25 years, offering socialisation and relaxed conversation while experiencing a variety of arts and craft activities at the workshop based at Teifi Terrace, in Adpar.

Then donation from NISA has come at a time when its workshop is closed to members but the demands on its services have never been greater because of the coronavirus lockdown.

A HUTS spokesperson said: “This donation has helped us during these challenging times and ensure that we can still keep in daily contact with our members.

“HUTS is making more than 80 calls a week to those that are vulnerable, lonely and isolated. We have also set up a call and chat service which is open to anyone over the age of 18 in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.”

If you would like to talk to for a chat, call HUTS on 01239 710377 between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

HUTS can offer information on a variety of subjects, signpost to other organisations where the help is beyond HUTS' scope as well as suggest links to other support networks in the area.

“We are aware that mental health issues will be on the increase with the restrictions that are in place and the impact Covid-19 has had on the tourist industry, local businesses, farmers and all of us in general. We are here to help whether it be now or in the future,” added the spokesperson.

“It is entirely possible that you just want to talk about the weather or your favourite TV programme. The reason to talk to someone at HUTS is up to you,

“The main objective is hopefully to reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation and to encourage as positive a state of mind as possible.”