About Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent
Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent sit side by side in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, shaped by landscapes that rise and fall with dramatic rhythm and by communities whose identity has been forged through industry, solidarity and a deep sense of belonging. Together, our two places tell a shared story of resilience and reinvention.
Once powered by coal, steel and iron, the area retains an unmistakable cultural heritage rooted in hard work and collective spirit, but today that legacy fuels a new ambition: to build fairer, healthier, more confident communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. The valleys, woodlands, ridges and rivers that define the geography offer both beauty and practicality - connections to major cities, historical town centres, and easy access to nature.
What binds Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent most powerfully, though, is a shared belief in community power. As Wales’ first federated councils and the nation’s first Marmot Councils, both areas are leading a national shift towards prevention, wellbeing and long‑term transformation. Anyone joining our workforce becomes part of a movement that values fairness, partnership and the idea that public services are strongest when they are shaped with people, not simply delivered to them.
Torfaen itself is a place where heritage and modern life blend naturally. From the internationally recognised Blaenavon UNESCO World Heritage Site to the vibrant streets, lakes and green spaces of Cwmbran, the area balances historical richness with contemporary convenience. Its communities carry forward the identity of the Eastern Valley — warm, proud and deeply connected — while also embracing change through new digital infrastructure, evolving community hubs and a growing culture of collaboration. Families value its affordability and strong schools; professionals appreciate its connectivity and quality of life; and those who choose to build a career here quickly find themselves part of a supportive, creative and problem‑solving culture.
Blaenau Gwent, neighbouring but distinct, is equally rich in character. Known as the birthplace of Aneurin Bevan and the philosophical heart of the NHS, it is a county with a proud history and a powerful sense of identity. Its towns — Ebbw Vale, Abertillery, Tredegar, Brynmawr and Blaina — sit in dramatic landscapes that give the area its unmistakable Valleys feel: rugged, inspiring and full of possibility. But Blaenau Gwent is also a place in transition, attracting investment in advanced manufacturing, engineering and innovation while strengthening its community‑led approach to wellbeing and resilience. The strong networks that defined its industrial era continue to shape daily life: people look out for each other, take pride in their neighbourhoods and bring enthusiasm to local initiatives that improve their shared environment. This blend of heritage, affordability, natural beauty and emerging opportunity makes Blaenau Gwent a compelling and increasingly forward‑looking place to live and work.
Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent are places that care deeply and that put our people first – and through our own local Deals, we share power, shape decisions and build a fairer future together.
