We’re thrilled to share that Valleys to Coast has been shortlisted for three awards in recognition of our work to champion equality, engage with customers, and create thriving communities:
- Excellence in Championing Equality and Diversity
- Campaign of the Year
- Community Initiative of the Year
At Valleys to Coast, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) aren’t just policies; they’re at the heart of everything we do. Guided by the question, “Whose voice is missing?”, we strive to embed inclusion across our organisation, from culture and communications to service delivery and community engagement.
Our initiatives include:
- The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, bringing colleagues together to share experiences and develop actionable strategies.
- Participation in local Pride events and fundraising for the Terrence Higgins Trust.
- Menopause & Perimenopause Cafés, BSL and deaf awareness training, and the creation of Y Cwtch, a dedicated inclusive wellbeing space.
- Repairs and Maintenance for All, consulting customers with protected characteristics to make services more accessible and responsive.
- EDI data campaigns, increasing customer data completeness from 48% to 71%, supporting more tailored services.
We’re also proud to be progressing towards Tai Pawb’s QED Award, receiving feedback recognising 53 examples of good practice—the highest of any housing association to date.
Through these initiatives, we are creating a culture where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered.
Our “I’m In” campaign set out to transform the way we engage with customers, making involvement simple, accessible, and meaningful. Designed to ensure customer voices drive decisions, the campaign informed our Customer & Community Voice Commitment (2025–2030), based on four themes: Insight, Oversight, Foresight, and Hindsight.
Key campaign highlights:
- Over 1,500 direct customer interactions across multiple channels.
- A launch video with more than 25,000 views and a 41.6% open rate for the first e-newsletter.
- Printed materials, incentives, and an “I’m In” themed AGM to boost visibility and accessibility.
- Customer-led storytelling in our refreshed newsletters, reinforcing trust and participation.
The campaign has transformed engagement, embedding a culture of openness and listening, and extending support beyond housing into digital skills, employment, and wellbeing initiatives.
Through Growth for Good, we are turning underused land into thriving, sustainable spaces. In 2025, we launched three Community Food Growing Hubs in Wildmill Estate, Blaencaerau, and Cefn Glas, providing accessible growing space for residents of all ages and abilities.
The hubs deliver real impact:
- Over 120 volunteers engaged, with 18 completing training and 14 gaining qualifications.
- Fresh food grown for local pantries, biodiversity supported through native species, and improved community wellbeing.
- Partnerships with local schools, youth clubs, and organisations strengthen community connections.
- Wildmill Youth Club now benefits from a large greenhouse, enabling children’s learning and play in all weather.
Growth for Good has inspired other housing associations across Wales to create their own community food initiatives, amplifying its impact beyond Bridgend.
We are incredibly proud of our colleagues and the communities we serve. Being shortlisted for these awards reflects our commitment to inclusion, engagement, and sustainable community impact, and it motivates us to continue building a Valleys to Coast where everyone’s voice matters.