Tidy People

Valley Veterans — A Place to Belong Again

In this episode of Tidy People, we travelled to Ton Pentre to meet the remarkable community at Valley Veterans, an organisation that has been quietly changing—and saving—lives for almost 25 years. At the heart of it all is founder Paul Bromwell, who set up the group after returning home from service and realising just how much help he needed himself. What began with Paul supporting a handful of local veterans has now grown into one of the most active and wide-reaching veterans’ organisations in Wales. “You walk through that door and you’ll find what you’ve been missing.”   Yn y bennod hon o Tidy People, fe wnaethom ni deithio i Don Pentre i gwrdd â'r gymuned ryfeddol yn Valley Veterans, sefydliad sydd wedi bod yn gweithio’n dawel yn newid bywydau – ac yn eu hachub – ers bron i 25 mlynedd. Wrth wraidd y cyfan, mae'r sylfaenydd Paul Bromwell, a sefydlodd y grŵp ar ôl dychwelyd adref o'r lluoedd arfog a sylweddoli faint o help oedd ei angen arno. Mae'r hyn a ddechreuodd gyda Paul yn cefnogi llond llaw o gyn-filwyr lleol bellach wedi tyfu i fod yn un o'r sefydliadau mwyaf gweithgar ac eang i gyn-filwyr yng Nghymru. "Wrth gerdded trwy'r drws, rydych chi’n darganfod yr hyn sydd wedi bod ar goll.”

Emma Alcock and the Power of Self-Advocacy

In this episode of Tidy People, we chat with Emma Alcock from Cwm Taf People First—a group led by and for people with learning disabilities. Emma shares how they’re helping people speak up for themselves, live more independently, and feel safe and included in their communities. From the amazing Codi Llais choir to creative projects and Safe Places around town, there’s so much to be inspired by. We talk about: – Why having a voice really matters – How art and music can help people express themselves – What it means to feel safe and confident in your community – The difference real inclusion can make in everyday life This is a warm, powerful story about community, creativity, and the right to be heard. Whether you’re part of this work or just curious about the difference it makes—this one’s worth a listen.   Yn y bennod hon o Tidy People, rydyn ni’n sgwrsio ag Emma Alcock o Pobl yn Gyntaf Cwm Taf - grŵp sy’n cael ei arwain gan ac ar gyfer pobl ag anableddau dysgu. Mae Emma yn rhannu sut maen nhw'n helpu pobl i leisio’u barn, byw'n fwy annibynnol a theimlo'n ddiogel ac wedi’u cynnwys yn eu cymunedau. O gôr anhygoel Codi Llais i brosiectau creadigol a Mannau Diogel o gwmpas y dref, mae cymaint i’ch ysbrydoli. Rydyn ni’n siarad am: – Pam mae cael llais yn wirioneddol bwysig – Sut gall celf a cherddoriaeth helpu pobl i fynegi eu hunain – Beth mae'n ei olygu i deimlo'n ddiogel ac yn hyderus yn eich cymuned – Y gwahaniaeth y gall cynhwysiant go iawn ei wneud mewn bywyd bob dydd Mae hon yn stori dwymgalon, bwerus am gymuned, creadigrwydd a'r hawl i gael eich clywed. P'un a ydych chi'n rhan o'r gwaith hwn neu'n chwilfrydig am y gwahaniaeth y mae'n ei wneud - mae'r stori hon yn werth gwrando arni.

Wendy Allsop- Not everyone can step up

This week on Tidy People, we talk to Wendy Allsop, a mum from Tonypandy who’s become an unexpected voice for accessibility and disability awareness. After developing a mobility condition, Wendy began to notice just how many barriers exist in public spaces—blocked pavements, missing dropped kerbs, narrow shop doorways, and more. Her experiences inspired her to speak out and push for change. She shares why accessibility isn’t about convenience—it’s about dignity, belonging, and basic independence. 🎙️ Join us as Wendy talks about: * Life on a mobility scooter in the Valleys * The challenges of everyday access * Why awareness and kindness matter * Her message: “Not everyone can step up” A must-listen for anyone who wants to build a more inclusive community.   Yr wythnos hon ar Tidy People, rydyn ni'n siarad â Wendy Allsop, mam o Donypandy sydd wedi dod yn llais annisgwyl dros hygyrchedd ac ymwybyddiaeth o anabledd. Ar ôl datblygu cyflwr symudedd, dechreuodd Wendy sylwi ar y rhwystrau niferus sy'n bodoli mewn mannau cyhoeddus – palmentydd wedi'u blocio, cyrbiau sydd ddim yn gostwng,  drysau siopau cul, a mwy. Fe wnaeth ei phrofiadau ei hysbrydoli i godi llais a phwyso am newid. Mae hi'n rhannu'r rhesymau pam mae hygyrchedd yn fwy na dim ond cyfleustra - mae'n ymwneud ag urddas, perthyn, ac annibyniaeth sylfaenol. 🎙️ Ymunwch â ni wrth i Wendy siarad am: * Fywyd ar sgwter symudedd yn y Cymoedd * Heriau mynediad bob dydd * Pam mae ymwybyddiaeth a charedigrwydd yn bwysig * Ei neges: “Dyw pawb ddim yn gallu camu ymlaen” Gwrando hanfodol i unrhyw un sydd eisiau adeiladu cymuned fwy cynhwysol.

Martin Barron- Top of the shops

Meet Martin from Tonyrefail – local legend, community champion, and the man behind Ton’s tidy streets and big heart. From volunteering to championing local projects, Martin’s all about bringing people together and making a difference.

Olwen Chislett - Open hearts, open doors

In this episode of Tidy People, we meet Olwen Chislett — a mother, campaigner, and community trailblazer whose heart beats for Beddau and Tynant. With her door always open and a kettle never far from boiling, Olwen has spent years building bridges and lifting others through grassroots action. From setting up local initiatives to spearheading inclusive campaigns, Olwen’s impact has rippled far beyond her postcode. Join us as we sit down with Olwen to explore the power of listening, the joy of connection, and how one person’s kindness can transform a community.