Being part of our communities and helping them to thrive has been an integral part of our work since the very beginning. And as we celebrate our 15th year, it’s something we’re more committed to than ever.

One of the ways we’ve shown that commitment is through our Community Challenges, an annual tradition. Each year, a team of staff volunteers, supported by our contractors, comes together to transform a local community facility in need of a boost.

Over the years, dozens of schools, youth clubs, community centres and churches have benefited from these makeovers.

In 2017, one a project took place at Ysgol Hendrefelin in Bryncoch.

An unused and overgrown patch of land was cleared and completely transformed into a sensory garden for pupils with additional learning needs. It became a calm, engaging space where children could learn, explore and enjoy the outdoors once again.

A school spokesperson said at the time:

“We are extremely grateful to Tai Tarian for the work they have carried out at the school. The garden was a lovely area but had become run down and overgrown. Now, thanks to the work that’s been carried out, the pupils will once again benefit from the space and will be able to enjoy being outdoors.”

Alongside hands-on volunteering, we also work closely with our contractors to provide Community Benefits donations. These contributions support local groups, charities and sports clubs with funding, equipment or resources they need to continue their vital work.

Since the pandemic alone, over a quarter of a million pounds has been donated to organisations across our communities.

In 2017, staff volunteers also had the chance to take part in the BBC’s DIY SOS when the programme visited Fforestfach.

Our team lent their skills to help build a new headquarters for the Roots Foundation, a charity supporting children and young people as they move from care into independent living.

One volunteer who took part, Chris Jones, shared:

“It was a great experience to be part of the project, and we all felt very proud to have been able to contribute to this worthy cause.”

Our community spirit has even stretched beyond Wales. When we changed our name from NPT Homes to Tai Tarian, our old uniforms were donated to the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust in Zambia.

The trust, which works to protect some of the world’s most endangered animals, was delighted to receive the clothing for its rangers, giving our uniforms a second life while supporting conservation efforts thousands of miles away.

As we mark our 15th year, these stories reflect what matters most to us, supporting people, strengthening communities and making a difference. We will keep building on that legacy for many years to come.