New PAVO report highlights what matters to people across Powys, as organisation commits funding to build on community action
Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) has found that people are broadly positive about life in communities across Powys. They value the sense of community, access to nature, and local events and activities, but are increasingly asking whether the services, facilities and community support they rely on will be there in the future.
In a report published on 21 September, PAVO sets out the findings from its Community Conversations project, giving a detailed picture of what matters to people across Powys, the strengths they want to protect and the challenges they face. Transport, healthcare, local services and the capacity of volunteers and community organisations to keep going were among the issues highlighted through the project.
Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Powys County Council, the project launched last summer (2025) and brought together views from across the county through a Powys-wide survey, 18 Roadshow and Community Conversation events, and follow-up focus groups.
A total of 1,232 people shared their views through the survey. A further 574 people attended the 18 events, bringing together residents, community groups, councillors and public services, while 510 people took part in follow-up focus groups.
PAVO is also committing funding to continue supporting the people and organisations delivering activities that began through Community Conversations.
Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, said: “We are pleased to launch this report today, which will be a valuable resource for communities, town and community councils, and our public sector partners.
“The findings give us a substantial evidence base and a clear picture of how people feel about their communities, the issues that matter most to them, and where improvements are needed.”
Transport and connectivity emerged as a recurring concern across Powys, affecting many aspects of everyday life and repeatedly linked to access to healthcare, work, education, shops and social activities.
Swales said: “We know that many people rely on community transport to do their weekly shopping, attend health appointments and take part in social activities.
“At the same time, community transport providers are facing funding pressures and difficulties finding volunteer drivers.
“The challenge now is how we support these vital community services to remain sustainable, so people can continue to access the services and opportunities they need.”
During the project, communities didn’t just talk about local issues. Eighteen practical community projects were developed, ranging from a new open-space youth provision in Llanwrtyd Wells to volunteer awareness events in Llanfyllin and a creative project in Brecon designing flags to represent the local community. A small financial resource was made available to support each project.
“These projects show what can happen when people are given the opportunity, support and a relatively small amount of funding to turn their ideas into action,” Swales continued.
“Just as important as the projects themselves are the connections that have been made. People and organisations who had not previously worked together have built relationships, shared ideas and created a stronger foundation for future community action.”
The next step is to turn what matters to communities into decisions, investment and longer-term change.
Swales continued: “The report makes clear that communities cannot tackle every issue alone. Challenges around health and social care, primary care, mental health, dentistry and transport require collaborative action from statutory bodies and other partners.
“We have already committed funding to build on the work started through Community Conversations. If communities are to play a greater role in shaping local services and finding local solutions, continued investment in Powys’ community and voluntary sectors will be vital.
“Thanks go to everyone who helped make Community Conversations possible. This project has been a collective effort involving PAVO staff and trustees, community organisations, volunteers and partners – and, most of all, the people across Powys who took the time to share their experiences, ideas and priorities with us.”
Read the full report here: pavo.org.uk/news/community-conversations-what-you-told-us/
If you’d like further information about the reports, please get in touch: info@pavo.org.uk