National Inclusion Week

This National Inclusion Week we are sharing the stories of people who have found support, belonging, and strength through their local communities.

These stories highlight real experiences of individuals who, with the help of those around them, have faced challenges and found a place to call home. Whether it’s through the kindness of neighbours, help from local organisations, or simple acts of inclusion, each person has a unique journey to share.

At the heart of these stories is one key idea: the power of community. From Samantha Taylor’s advocacy work in Treorchy to Ilham’s journey of building a new life in Wales after leaving Syria, these stories show the difference a supportive community can make. You’ll also meet Mustapha Maohoub, whose dedication to bringing people together has strengthened the communities around him.

Each story offers a different perspective, but they all share an important message: when communities come together, they can lift everyone up, no matter their background.

As you read these stories, we hope you’ll think about the role your own community plays in your life. How can we create more welcoming spaces? What small acts of kindness can help someone feel at home?

Keith

Keith, a disabled veteran from Tredegar now living in Cardiff Bay, shows how a supportive community can truly make a difference. After 30 years in the army, Keith moved into the care sector, running care homes and agencies in Swansea. His caring background shines through in how he’s been supported now.

With his neighbours and friends, including fellow veterans, regularly lending a helping hand, Keith feels deeply supported. They visit him in hospital, help clean his home, and assist with everyday tasks. As his home is being adapted for better wheelchair access, Keith will be able to move around more easily and spend more time with his grandchildren.

Keith’s strong sense of community and his experience in caring for others have helped build a close-knit support network around him. As he says, “My neighbours have been very good with me. It’s a very good community.” His story is a great reminder of how small acts of kindness and neighbourly support can make a big difference and inspire us all to lend a hand to those around us.

Read more about Keith’s story: From the barracks to the Bay for Keith – Trivallis

Freya

Freya, from Tonyrefail, always felt out of place at school. The way lessons were taught didn’t suit her, but since starting a construction course at college, she’s found a way of learning that works for her.

She’s excited to enter a field where she can work with her hands and challenge gender stereotypes. Freya has always been independent, driven by a clear vision of the life she wants to create for herself while staying proud of her roots. Through her course, she’s learning more than just how to build walls – she’s discovering the path to the future she wants to shape for herself.

Though she knows there will be challenges in a male-dominated industry, she’s determined to prove that women can succeed just as much as men.

As she begins her second year of college, Freya is already looking for chances to use her skills and gain practical experience alongside her studies.

Samantha

Samantha, loves living in Treorchy. With a beautiful high street, vibrant nightlife and even festivals to attend, Samantha feels like she is a part of Treorchy’s vibrant culture.

Samantha has always felt embraced and supported by her valleys communities. She doesn’t feel like she’s been treated any differently to others and has always felt included.

She is also a great self-advocate, having fought for her right to live with her partner of 7 years Ben. Like Samantha, Ben also has a learning disability. Despite the difficulty of getting it approved, the couple are now thriving as they live together and both take their first steps into employment.

Samantha is passionate about using her experience to help others and to make access to vital services easier for others with a learning disability. Her top tip for anyone speaking with someone with a learning disability is to remove the jargon.

Ilham

Ilham fled war-torn Syria in 2011 with her husband and two children, seeking safety in Wales.

Arriving in Cardiff, she felt lost and alone, missing her home and family. However, her Welsh neighbours and the Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) quickly embraced her family, offering support and kindness.

“The community welcomed us with open arms,” Ilham recalls. “It was like a piece of my heart started to heal.” With help from her neighbours and the local school, Ilham’s children settled into their new life, and Cardiff began to feel like home.

Wanting to give back, Ilham started volunteering with the WRC as an interpreter, eventually securing a full-time role. Today, she proudly helps other refugees build new lives.

Reflecting on her journey, Ilham says, “The people of Wales have become like family to me. They have the biggest hearts, and they give the best cwtches!”

Read more of Ilham’s story: Ilham’s Journey – Trivallis

Alan

Alan, from Ynysybwl, spent years travelling the world during his RAF career, never settling in one place for long. But seven years ago, he found a friendly community at a sheltered housing development in Beddau. It’s the perfect spot for Alan—close to his family and just down the road from his childhood sweetheart, with whom he reconnected later in life.

Since moving in, Alan quickly made friends with other tenants. He helps organise trips and raises money for their annual Christmas dinner. Through weekly bingo events, Alan made sure everyone could join, even those needing special transport.

Family means a lot to Alan, and living in Beddau means many of his siblings are nearby. Recently, he started looking into his family history and found Welsh roots and a strong military past. Though Alan sometimes worries that younger and older generations are growing apart, he’s hopeful. He believes they can learn a lot from each other and loves sharing his experiences. Surrounded by reminders of his service, Alan reflects proudly on his adventures and his connection to Wales.

Mustapha

Mustapha has spent 31 years living in the valleys, where he studied at Aberdare College and Mid Glamorgan University. For 25 years, he ran his own business while tirelessly working to strengthen community ties. As an athlete, he campaigned for a running track in Aberdare, helped establish a mosque, and, as a politician, he ensures that ethnic minorities have a voice in local government and throughout Wales.

Although Mustapha has encountered racism, he credits the support of his community for helping him navigate these challenges. “The community has embraced us, and we feel no different from our neighbours, even though most are white,” he reflects. Despite facing misunderstandings and unfair treatment, he found that standing up for his rights always garnered support and fairness in the end.

Mustapha is a firm believer in the power of communities to drive change. “Get involved and don’t be afraid. Whether in politics, community service, or education, you can make a difference. Your community will back you along the way.” He emphasizes that the key to an inclusive community lies in “integration and acceptance.”

These are just some of the stories out there that show the strength of community. We’d love to hear how your community has supported you or how you are supporting others. Get in touch via comms@trivallis.co.uk

Delivered in partnership with Trivallis, Cwm Taf People First, Welsh Refugee Council and Tai Pawb.