The survey, conducted in early 2025, paints a picture of solidarity and emotional resilience among residents of Neath Port Talbot, even as the fallout from Tata Steel’s restructuring continues to ripple through the region. The findings come just months after Swansea Bay News reported on the final shutdown of Blast Furnace 4 and the £1.25 billion investment in a new electric arc furnace — a move that promises a greener future but has already led to over 2,000 job losses.
According to the survey, 91% of respondents said they could rely on family and friends for support, and 83% felt their social relationships positively impacted their health and wellbeing. Despite the upheaval, 74% said their lives felt worthwhile, and 72% reported feeling happy — indicators that Public Health Wales describes as “key protective factors” in community resilience.
However, the emotional strength of the community is being tested by growing financial pressures. 15% of respondents said they had needed financial support in the past six months, with 60% of that support coming from informal networks like family and friends. Looking ahead, 74% of households expect to face financial strain, particularly with energy bills (56%), food costs (44%), and housing (26%).
Awareness of formal support services remains patchy. Just 32% of respondents knew financial support was available locally, although awareness was higher for mental health services (49%) and alcohol and drug support (42%). Digital platforms are key to outreach, with social media (57%), websites (26%), and email (24%) cited as preferred channels for accessing information.
The survey also explored perceptions of the Tata Steel transition. While only 8% said they or someone in their household was directly affected, 44% knew someone impacted. The community’s concerns were clear: 89% believed employment opportunities would suffer, 83% feared a decline in mental health, and 73% worried about a loss of community spirit. The only area seen as improving was air quality (76%), following the closure of coal-powered blast furnaces.
Professor Alisha Davies, Head of Research and Evaluation at Public Health Wales, said: “While the survey highlights the pressures residents are facing, it also shows the resilience, solidarity and community spirit that helps shape Neath Port Talbot. Such support will enable the area to retain that strength and spirit through this transition phase and into the future.”
The survey was developed in partnership with the Tata Steel UK Transition Board, which has been tasked with overseeing the £100 million support package for affected workers, businesses and communities. Marie Davies, Chair of the Board’s Community Relations and Wellbeing Workstream, said the findings would help shape future support services: “We continue to work on the essential building blocks for health of those affected and the next generation, through education, employment, housing and leisure opportunities.”
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt echoed the sentiment, pointing to the £19.8 million Employment and Skills Fund now in place. “This survey sets out well the particular local impact felt by communities in Neath Port Talbot,” he said. “I urge anyone affected to find out more at npt.gov.uk/TataTransition or visit the drop-in venues in Aberafan Shopping Centre.”
As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, the transition to electric arc steelmaking is expected to be completed by 2028, with Tata Steel promising a greener, more sustainable future for the site. But for many in Port Talbot, the road ahead remains uncertain — and the strength of community ties may prove to be the most vital asset of all.
