A new report led by Swansea University is calling for decision-makers to put children and young people at the heart of plans for Port Talbot’s future, following a community listening project.

The Steeltown Storybook: Children’s Chapter, funded by the AHRC Impact Acceleration Award, brings together the views of more than 300 local children aged 7–11. It offers a snapshot of what it’s like growing up in the town today and how they think it could change.

Many of the children spoke about strong community ties and a clear sense of belonging. But they also raised concerns about safety, the environment, and a lack of spaces designed for them.  The report captures children’s everyday experiences in their own words, helping ensure future decisions about regeneration, education and local services reflect their views.

Key findings

• A greener future: Children want a cleaner town, with more opportunities to recycle and more deterrents to stop littering. 
• Equality and ambition: There is a clear shift away from traditional, male-dominated industries, with children expressing more diverse and creative ambitions.
• Safety and play: While they feel connected to their community and its assets like the beach, many children wanted safer spaces designed for – and by – them.
• Community connection: Schools and local heritage play a central role in children’s lives; projects such as the M4 underpass murals show how shared spaces can bring people together through storytelling and creativity.

The report highlights the role schools play as anchors for both identity and safety. It also notes that children’s aspirations are increasingly broad and creative.

The project is supported by HAPPEN-Wales, a pan-Wales research network led by Dr Michaela James at Swansea University’s Centre for Population Health.

Dr Michaela James said, “We worked with over 300 children, facilitating opportunities and space to contribute in many different ways. What we found shows that they challenge adult-only perspectives, highlight what’s missing, and offer creative, practical solutions that are often low-cost. Involving children and young people isn’t just good practice, it’s critical to building communities that are inclusive, connected, and future-proof. Their insights reveal a deep sense of belonging alongside clear concerns about safety, environment, and opportunity – the next challenge is whether we are prepared to listen and act on what children are saying.”

The project was developed with Emily Adams, PhD Candidate and Senior Project Officer at Swansea University’s Local Challenges Research Office (LCRO).

Emily Adams added, “When compared with the postwar period, this project has revealed vast improvements in the aspirations of young people in Port Talbot. While the older generation felt tied to local industry or roles in the service sector, like teaching and nursing, we have seen over 300 schoolchildren express big dreams for their future. In the present, they have practical requests, including more spaces for young people and increased access to heritage assets like the Talbot Memorial Park bandstand. I would urge local changemakers to take note of young people’s perspectives. The town’s resilience is rooted in the future that they want to see.”

The project also shows how creative approaches, including storytelling, photography and digital media, can help children share their views in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

Read the full report here.