Critical public services are being strengthened, says new report

Action that's seen local children get the best possible start in life, our amazing natural environment protected and promoted and connections in our communities strengthened have all helped Swansea become a great place to live.

That's the conclusion of this year's annual Swansea Public Services Board (PSB) report that highlights progress by public sector organisations that support children and families, improve health and wellbeing and work to reduce the impact of climate change.

Andrea Lewis, Swansea Council's joint deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, chairs the PSB in Swansea, whose members include other public service bodies such as the fire and rescue service, health board and Natural Resources Wales.

Cllr Lewis said: "Our vision is to work together to make Swansea a place where every person can have the best start in life, get a good job, live well, age well and have every opportunity to be healthy, happy, safe and the best they can be.

"This year, we have seen some remarkable stories that show we are making good progress that make a difference in the lives of those touched by public services every day.

"Our commitment to the Early Years initiative and making the most of Welsh Government Early Years pathfinder investment is helping ensure children in Swansea are receiving the best start in life, laying a foundation for lifelong success.

"The Live Well, Age Well program has enhanced the quality of life for residents at every stage, fostering a community where everyone can live well.

She said: "Our Strong Communities objective has strengthened the bonds within our communities, instilling and enriching a sense of pride and belonging.

"We're building on the pledge we made in becoming a Human Rights City in 2022 to bring our communities together and to ensure our commitment is reflected in our policies as well as the work we do in our communities.

"The progress we've made so far has been recognised internationally by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation."

Roger Thomas, Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and vice-Chair of the PSB.

He said: "I welcome the progress made by Swansea's Public Services Board whilst acknowledging that there is clearly more to do over the coming years.

"Swansea PSB members embrace the need to work collaboratively to ensure that our public and third sector organisations identify opportunities to work together for the benefit of the communities we serve. 

"Over the next year we will be supporting the new Creative Swansea Network, designed to offer more sports, culture and tourism opportunities by the people of Swansea for the people of Swansea.

"We will also be working side by side with our communities supporting our net zero and nature recovery ambitions so that our amazing urban and countryside biodiversity is sustained through the climate change challenges we face.

"These are just two practical examples of the way the PSB helps promote activities that enable people in Swansea to live healthier, happier and fulfilling lives.

"We welcome feedback and ideas for further improvement to help us plan for the coming years."

The Public Services Board is a statutory body and its core members are Swansea Bay University Health Board, Natural Resources Wales, Mid and West Wales Fire Service and Swansea Council.

To find out more about the Public Services Board and its role in supporting Swansea communities go to: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/psb

You can also contact our Public Services Board Co-ordinator directly by email at: Swansea.psb@swansea.gov.uk