A SWANSEA Valley supermarket is set to help vulnerable young people who are transitioning from homelessness to living independently in accommodation.

Tesco Superstore in Pontardawe has joined forces with the SYSHP (Swansea Young Single Homeless Project) to sponsor its Essential Package Scheme which provides essential items to service users making the move into new accommodation.

The store has donated duvets, bedding lamps, cooking equipment, dried foods and personal sanitary products, items that individuals may otherwise be unable to afford but enables them to make their new house a comfortable and welcoming home.

Store Manager at Tesco Superstore, Pontardawe, Caroline Thomas said: “SYSHP is a fantastic charity that gives so much hope to young people in Swansea.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer our support and happy that we can do our bit to help vulnerable young people in the area.”

Tesco is also supporting the charity’s New Beginnings Scheme which aims to guide young people from homelessness to eventual paid employment.

The retailer will be offering month-long internship placements at stores throughout Swansea to allow service users to gain experience and confidence in a workplace environment.

SYSHP is a housing charity, which has been delivering services to vulnerable, socially excluded homeless and potentially homeless young people for nearly 30 years.

SYSHP’s office manager, Isobel Smith said: “The donations from Tesco will enable us to provide young people with the essential items they need when moving into their first property.

“SYSHP relies upon donations and support to enable us to continue with the work we do, supporting more than 110 young people aged 16 to 25 at any one time with accommodation, emotional support and practical help.

“We do all we can to enable vulnerable youngsters go on to live enjoyable, productive lives and we are grateful for the help we receive from local businesses and supporters. We are extremely grateful to Tesco for their generosity.”

The work with SYSHP is part of a wider Tesco initiative to support local communities throughout Swansea.

The food retailer is also working with Age Cymru Swansea and Eastside Food Bank whilst specifically the Pontardawe store is set to donate some food items to Rhydyfro Primary for its Christmas Party.