A charity that began as a small youth project in Cardigan has celebrated 30 years of supporting children and young people across west Wales.

Area 43, founded in 1996, marked its anniversary with a celebration bringing together more than 120 guests at The Cliff Hotel in Gwbert. Young people, staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters attended the event on 20 October, which featured performances and an exhibition tracing the charity's development.

Originally established to provide somewhere for local young people to meet, access advice and receive support, Area 43 has since expanded considerably. The organisation now provides counselling services across Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Powys. Its work includes supporting young people's mental health, providing safe meeting spaces and helping those experiencing difficulties access professional assistance.

In Ceredigion, the charity operates two permanent youth cafés and early support hubs. These include Depot in Cardigan and 56 in Lampeter, offering opportunities for young people to socialise, participate in activities and access trained support workers.

The organisation also operates Feelz On Wheelz, a mobile youth café developed with young people to reach rural communities where limited public transport can make accessing services difficult.

The project was shaped by the charity's youth panel, Safe Spaces to Speak, which helps young people influence the services available to them.

Area 43 chief executive Rachael Eagles said the anniversary recognised the contribution of everyone involved in developing the organisation. She described the milestone as a celebration of young people's voices and opportunities to shape their futures.

The charity's unusual name was originally chosen by young people involved in its early development, inspired by the mystery surrounding America's Area 51.

Thirty years later, Area 43 says its services continue to develop around the needs and experiences of the young people they support.