We started 4theRegion because something was missing.  So many brilliant people, doing good work – but disconnected from each other. So many conversations happening in silos. So many decisions being made without the people they affect. And so much energy, wasted or ignored, when it could be shaping something better.

It felt like no one was joining the dots. No one was bringing people together across sectors, across counties, across roles – to work towards a shared vision for our region.  That’s what we wanted to do.

We Believe in South West Wales

We believe this region is full of potential. Not just economic potential – though there’s plenty of that – but human potential. Community potential. Creative, caring, committed people who want to build a better future where they live.

But the systems we live and work within often make that harder than it needs to be. Funding is short-term and competitive. Organisations are under pressure. Collaboration takes time. And everyone’s overstretched.

We don’t have all the answers – but we do think we need to work differently. More openly. More locally. More collaboratively. That’s what 4theRegion exists to support.

We’re Tired of Quick Fixes

So much of our economy is about short-term wins. Growth for its own sake. Big promises that don’t materialise. Communities left out or left behind.

We think it’s time to reimagine what the economy is for.  For us, the answer is wellbeing. The wellbeing of people, places, and the planet. That means supporting the things that really matter – care, connection, meaningful work, strong communities, nature, fairness. Things that don’t always get measured, but absolutely matter.

That’s what we mean by a wellbeing economy. Not a utopia – but a shift in priorities. A long-term direction of travel. And it starts here, in our region, with the work we’re already doing together.

It’s Hard, But It Matters

We won’t pretend this is easy. Collaboration is hard. Systems change is hard. Trying to do things differently is hard.

But it’s also worth it. And it’s already happening – in small ways, all over the region. People coming together, sharing ideas, supporting each other, and building something new.

That’s why we’re here. To hold space for that. To keep showing up. To say: you’re not on your own.