Your postcode shouldn’t hold you back.

I grew up in a small village in South Wales, a place with strong community spirit and full of people that always had each other’s backs.  

However, like many places across Wales,  my village lacked long-term investment and therefore over time, this once highly spirited community has now lost its shine.  

I saw the impact of this first-hand when I worked at my local leisure centre. Different funding pots determined whether our facilities were able to stay open or which activities we were able to run.  

It was clear to me that there was a lack of opportunities and safe spaces for young people. 

These personal experiences inspired me to pursue a Masters in Spatial Planning and Development at Cardiff University.  I wanted to learn how decisions are made, who is involved in the process and how investment can be used effectively to support communities like mine. 

Why are young people in Wales moving to the cities for jobs?

When opportunities are not available locally,  young people feel forced to leave –  it’s not because we want to, it’s because we have to.  

I have seen the potential for opportunities in villages like mine.  But equally, I have seen the frustration from locals when funding can’t support their vision.  

However, Welsh communities do not lack potential.  They just lack investment. Community Benefit Funds have the power to genuinely transform our communities.  We could invest in services that matter most to our everyday lives.

Imagine, safer streets, better-funded schools an reliable transport. 

When funding is guided by these local priorities this money can create tangible benefits that communities see, feel and depend on.  

This is our moment to ensure that the energy transition works for and is created by us.

How do we bring community spirit back to Wales?

So, whether you live in a coastal town, farming land or in a village – opportunities would be available to everyone.  

It empowers young people, like me, to take ownership over our future.  Together, we can unlock local potential and ensure that Welsh communities continue to thrive for generations to come.  

So, we say:

• invest locally
• build resilience 

and give young people across Wales, like me, real opportunities close to home,  and help bring our community spirit back.