It was the sense of community that helped Freya and Alan settle into their new home
This National Inclusion Week we are sharing the stories of people who have found support, belonging, and strength through their local communities.
Meet Freya and Alun. Finding the right people in the right environment has helped them discover a new lease of life. While Alan has found a way to keep helping others while adjusting to life after a long RAF career, Freya is just starting out in her career journey where her and her peers are defying gender stereotypes.
Their stories offer different perspectives, but they both share an important message: when communities come together, they can lift everyone up, no matter their background.
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.
领英推荐
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.
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.
Can you think back to a time where you found yourself in a new environment? What was it that helped you settle in? What role did the people in that space play? How do we re-create that for everyone?
Freya and Alan's stories both feature in our 'Home' Exhibit, a hireable touring exhibit that helps highlight the ability of our communities to create welcoming and inclusive environments where everyone can feel like they belong. If you would like to either include this exhibit as part of your engagement event or contribute a story to it, please get in touch at [email protected].