Tidy People: Emma Alcock and the Power of Self-Advocacy

In this episode of Tidy People, we shine a light on the brilliant Emma Alcock, a passionate advocate for inclusion and empowerment at Cwm Taf People First, a self-advocacy organisation for adults with learning disabilities.

With over 20 years of experience, Emma has made it her mission to support people to find their voice, challenge inequality, and live life on their own terms.

A People-First Approach

Cwm Taf People First isn’t just an organisation, it’s a movement led by and for its members. At its core, it believes in voice, choice, and control for people with learning disabilities in every area of life. Whether it’s attending meetings, accessing information, or making independent decisions, Emma and her team are there to ensure members feel heard, respected, and supported.

“I think people have to fight for their rights again now,” Emma says, reflecting on how the pandemic reignited challenges that older generations had already fought to overcome. Her work is driven by a commitment to equity—ensuring everyone has the same opportunities, and more importantly, the same respect.

Voices Raised: Codi Llais Choir

One of the standout ways Cwm Taf People First empowers members is through the Codi Llais choir, which means “Raising Voice” in Welsh. Singing together isn’t just joyful, it’s a powerful form of self-expression and advocacy. Last year, the choir performed at the Eisteddfod, and they’re gearing up for another performance in Wrexham this summer.

Emma describes it as a proud, emotional experience. “It’s a creative way of self-advocating,” she says. Through music, members express themselves confidently, no matter their verbal ability.

Beyond Words: Art and Advocacy

Not everyone finds it easy to speak up, and that’s why Cwm Taf People First also uses art and drama to support communication and self-advocacy. From collaborative work with Spectacle Theatre on hate crime awareness to visual storytelling with illustrators, members are finding powerful ways to be seen and heard, all on their own terms.

Safe Places and Safer Communities

Emma also leads on the Safe Places Scheme, a simple but impactful initiative that provides designated places where anyone feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed can seek support. The scheme, developed with local authorities and police, has boosted confidence for many in the community.

“It gives that extra layer of security,” Emma explains. Even if people rarely use it, knowing the support is there encourages greater independence and freedom.

Changing Minds and Changing Systems

Emma is also passionate about breaking down the misconceptions that persist around learning disabilities. “People think they can’t learn—but with the right support and time, they can absolutely learn and thrive.”

Cwm Taf People First delivers disability equality training in schools, to student nurses, and beyond, helping to challenge assumptions and build inclusive communities. Their message is simple: see the person first.

What’s Next?

This summer is jam-packed for Cwm Taf People First—with performances, advocacy events, and ongoing work around health checks, hate crime awareness, and inclusive public transport. And at the heart of it all is Emma’s unwavering belief in co-production—services built with people, not for them.

“Self-advocacy at local, regional, and national levels helps change and influence policy. And that leads to real change for people with disabilities.”

Catch Emma’s full story on Tidy People — available now as a podcast and vodcast

Want to get involved?
Cwm Taf People First is always looking for new Safe Places to sign up and more people to join the movement. To find out more, get in touch with them or reach out to us if you’d like to be featured in a future episode of Tidy People.

Tidy People is brought to you by Trivallis Housing Association, celebrating everyday people making a big difference in our communities.

To contact us: comms@trivallis.co.uk