End of Week Message from Rob

21 August 2026

Helo Bawb,

As we come towards the end of another busy week, I have been reflecting on what it takes to build strong communities.

It is easy to think of community as something that happens outside of our working lives – in our neighbourhoods, schools, parks and community centres. But every day, our work as a Council plays a part in creating the kind of communities we want to live in: safe, supportive, inclusive and a place where people feel that they belong.

Sometimes that means being there when people need us most. Sometimes it means keeping essential services running in difficult circumstances. And sometimes it is simply about the small acts of kindness and care that make a difference to someone’s day.

We have seen all of those things in action over the past few weeks.

This summer has certainly introduced new challenges following periods of very high temperatures - which brought additional pressures for many of our services - particularly for colleagues working outdoors. Teams have had to adapt the way they work, including changing schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, while continuing to provide essential services to residents.

At the same time, colleagues have been responding to the increased risks associated with the hot weather, including fires and dangerous behaviour in some of our parks and open spaces. We have been working closely with our partners, including South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police, to help keep people safe.

I want to thank everyone who has played a part in this work. Whether you have been responding directly to incidents, supporting enforcement and community safety activities, adapting your services, communicating important safety messages, or simply continuing to do your day job in incredibly hot weather - your professionalism, care and commitment has been hugely appreciated.

The recent situation at Cosmeston Country Park is a good example. Colleagues have been dealing with people entering the lake and jumping from height, damaging  fencing put in place to prevent access, and other anti-social behaviour.

These are challenging situations, and I know that dealing with difficult behaviour is not always easy. Thank you to everyone who has continued to approach these situations professionally and with the safety of our communities at the forefront of their minds.

But community is not only about responding to difficult situations. It is also about the everyday interactions that can make someone feel valued.

Our waste collection crews recently received a lovely compliment from a resident whose two young sons, aged four and two, were very excited to see the bin lorry arrive. They ran to the window, waving hello to the crew, who took the time to wave back enthusiastically and interact with them from the road.

The resident said: "What may have seemed like a small gesture to them genuinely made my children's day, and they were talking about it long afterwards. It was a lovely example of kindness and community spirit.

"I would also like to recognise the high standard of service they consistently provide. They are always professional, considerate, and leave the area tidy, with no mess left behind after collections."

I thought this was a wonderful message to receive and it is a reminder that the work we do can have an impact far beyond the immediate service we provide. Thank you to the team involved for making such a positive impression – and to all colleagues who go that extra mile every day.

That spirit of community also extends beyond our day-to-day work, and I wanted to give a special mention to eight colleagues in Social Services who are preparing to take on a rather different challenge.

On 26 September, colleagues from the Intake team will be climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre. It is a cause that is particularly close to the hearts of the team, with many colleagues having witnessed the care provided by Velindre first-hand.

They have already been doing a fantastic job of fundraising and, between fundraising for the hike itself and a subsequent raffle, they have raised an incredible £2,250 so far.

If you would like to support their challenge, you can make a donation here.

There is also still time to enter the raffle, and if you would like to take part, please contact Zoe Gibbs or Clair Salvidge. The raffle winners will be drawn in the week following the Snowdon climb.

I wish the whole team the very best for their climb. I’m sure they will be well supported – and I look forward to hearing how they get on. Pob lwc pawb!

That same sense of community support has been particularly important this week as young people across the Vale received their GCSE results.

There is plenty to celebrate, as 27.4 per cent of entrants achieved an A or A* grade, 70.7 per cent achieved A* to C grades and 97.2 per cent achieved A* to G grades. These results are higher than the Welsh average, which is a fantastic achievement.

I would like to congratulate all of our young people on their exam results recently and wish them every success as they take their next steps. Whether they are continuing into further education, starting training or an apprenticeship programme, there are many different routes to a successful and fulfilling future.

Results day can, of course, be an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming – particularly when things do not go quite as planned. One set of results does not define a person’s future, and the right next step will look different for everyone.

Today, The Pod is hosting Discover Your Next Step, a free drop-in event in Barry, from 11am to 3pm. The event brings together a range of organisations offering advice and guidance on further education, employment, training and other opportunities.

As Giavanna Inwood, the Vale Employability Programme Manager, puts it: “The Next Steps event is about making sure every young person feels supported, celebrated, and knows they’re not facing this moment alone. Having a safe space to talk through their results, explore their next steps, and access support can make a real difference to their confidence and wellbeing.”

And that support does not stop after results day. The Pod provides year-round employability support, including interview and work trial preparation, access to equipment and clothing, training opportunities, financial support signposting, and help with mental and physical wellbeing.

It is another great example of colleagues working alongside our communities to help people build confidence, develop their skills and find their own path towards employment and a positive future.

If you know a young person who might benefit from the support available, you can contact CELT+@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk for more information.

As always, thank you to everyone for all of your efforts this week, and for everything you have done throughout what has been an exceptionally busy summer. You are all making a real difference to the communities we serve, and it is hugely appreciated.

Here’s to some much cooler weather now! And if you are off over the weekend, I hope you have a restful and well-deserved break.

Diolch yn fawr,

Rob