A Five-Year Programme to invest in South West Wales from the ground up
South West Wales is full of opportunity. We have entrepreneurial people, strong communities, proud local places and a deep-rooted culture of resilience.
If we work together, these qualities can be transformative. We can create a happier, healthier South West Wales with a thriving economy. We can embrace new ways of working that positively impact everyone who lives here.
We can improve our wellbeing and our economy.
We’re launching a five-year programme to invest in South West Wales from the ground up. It’s built on eight years of regional listening, relationship-building, and real-world action.
Here are the five interconnected missions for South West Wales, that, together, will transform our region. These are practical, collaborative workstreams that will benefit businesses, communities, young people and the wider economy.
FIVE MISSIONS
Stronger Local Supply Chains
Backing businesses and building a resilient local economy
We want more of the region’s spending — by households, businesses and public bodies — to stay here. That means supporting local producers, suppliers and retailers to thrive, and making it easier for people to buy local.
This is about economic self-reliance, local job creation, and a business ecosystem that supports our own.
Backing Community Action
Helping people take action where they live
Every community has people with good ideas, which would improve their wellbeing and their neighbours’. But right now, local changemakers feel disempowered, isolated, or unsure how to move forward. We can change that.
This mission builds stronger, more resilient communities — and a region that takes care of each other.
Youth Empowerment
Engaging young people in a positive movement for South West Wales
Young people in South West Wales are struggling. Many feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and unable to see a future for themselves here.
We need to turn that around, by showing young people that there are opportunities, role models, and pathways to success right here on their doorstep.
This mission offers hope, direction and a sense of purpose — helping young people feel supported to build their lives here.
Positive News & Local Media
Changing how we feel about where we live
We believe that a thriving region needs a strong, positive sense of identity — and that starts with the stories we hear about ourselves.
For eight years, we’ve published a monthly roundup of positive business and community news, now with over 10,000 regular readers. We also support initiatives like The Swansea Positive and collaborate to amplify good news and positive examples.
This mission changes the atmosphere of our region and lays the foundation for everything else.
Green Economy
Building a resilient economy that delivers long term sustainable wellbeing
We want South West Wales to benefit from green investments and developments, creating jobs, opportunities and community wealth here – not overseas.
And we want to support homegrown enterprise that meets local needs and protects the natural environment.
This mission grows a resilient economy rooted in place and purpose.
We’re focussing on the conditions that support positive change — connection, collaboration, wellbeing — rather than quick fixes or top-down interventions.
Support this
Transformation will happen when people, businesses and organisations work together. By joining 4theRegion, supporting a specific mission, and helping us reach others who share the vision, you can be part of this transformation.
It’s a whole-system approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities we face, and everyone has a part to play.
Thank you for getting involved!
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