Plans to build six new homes for veterans at Moor Road, Sandfields, Port Talbot, were the focus of a ministerial meeting held at Tai Tarian’s HQ in Baglan recently.

The Minister for Veterans & People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, along with Stephen Kinnock MP met with Chief Executive Linda Whittaker and key staff members to hear more about the organisation’s plans to develop six self-contained homes.

Backed by £1 million from the Veterans Capital Housing Fund and matched by a further £1 million investment from Tai Tarian, the homes will feature shared communal spaces and be designed to promote independence, foster peer support and help tackle social isolation.

The discussion gave an overview of Tai Tarian’s commitment to supporting the armed forces community. As signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant and holders of the Bronze Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme, the housing association is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are not disadvantaged in accessing services or employment, while recognising when additional support may be needed. These new homes take things a step further.

There was further discussion around the wider social and economic benefits the development is expected to bring to the veteran community. These include targeted recruitment and training opportunities, and the community benefits that will be built into the contract to support the local area.

With many veterans choosing to return to Wales after leaving service, the scheme responds directly to a recognised need for high‑quality transitional housing in the area.

The minister also took a trip to Bulldogs Boxing & Community Activities, which supports veterans and their families through wellbeing services, social activities and access to mental health support. The development project will be delivered in partnership with them.

Cwmpas will also play a key role, helping veterans shape their housing experience through co‑operative and community‑led approaches, supported by expert guidance from Finola Pickwell, Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer.

Tai Tarian Chief Executive Linda Whittaker said:
“It was really great to have the Minister here and to tell her about our plans for this development.

“We also got the chance to discuss the wider benefits of the scheme with her, such as the job opportunities it will bring, and how we will engage with veterans during the development process, enabling them to take on jobs and training. We also discussed what we do in terms of community benefits and how we will impress on contractors involved in the development that this is a very important part of what we do.”

The Minister for Veterans & People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:
“What stood out for me from this visit is how linked Tai Tarian is with the local community. Whilst the grant will help build the homes they are also focussed on getting every last drop of benefit out of it to also provide training opportunities and community benefits.

“They really want veterans to be involved in the construction, whilst ensuring local charities and communities are at the heart of this project.

“The best housing providers are at the centre of a community and the fact they are so set on that is wonderful.”