As we celebrate our 15th birthday, we’re looking back at some of the moments that truly shaped us. One of the most inspiring was Fusion, a project that may have ended two years ago, but whose impact continues to shine through our communities.

Fusion showed what fairness really looks like: supporting people not just by providing homes, but by investing in opportunity, creativity and confidence.

Back in 2017, Tai Tarian became the only housing association in Wales to secure Welsh Government Fusion funding helping us bring arts, heritage and culture into community learning in a way that had never been done before in housing.

The difference Fusion made was quickly noticed. In 2019, we received the Welsh Housing Award for Supporting Future Generations recognition of the life‑changing impact the programme was having on young people, families and communities across Neath Port Talbot.

At the centre of the programme was our partnership with Ysgol Bae Baglan, a school of more than 1,500 pupils, many of whom live in our homes.

Through art, film, heritage and hands‑on creative projects, pupils were supported to:

• Re‑engage with learning
• Build confidence and communication skills
• Strengthen literacy, numeracy and financial understanding
• Explore creativity in exciting, meaningful ways
• Connect more deeply with their community and their future

This approach proved especially powerful for pupils them see learning differently and recognise their own potential.

Fusion also opened the door to extraordinary opportunities. Pupils and families had the chance to work with:

• Michael Sheen, whose passion for Port Talbot inspired young people to take pride in where they come from
• National Theatre Wales
• Ffilm Cymru
• Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

These partnerships brought national talent directly into neighbourhoods across Neath Port Talbot, creating experiences that will stay with young people for years to come.