Social well-being amongst survey respondents was focused on connecting with others through social activities, such as sports, choirs or meetings.  In terms of contributions to social well-being, respondents discussed being active and healthy, volunteering and having a sense of place in society as important factors.

People wanted to see improvements of better access to premises for disabled people, having services and organisations nearby to engage with and better communication of what was available to enable people to take part.  As elsewhere, public transport was a challenge for those unable to drive or without access to a car.

Survey respondents from the area equated economic well-being with financial self-sufficiency and the capacity to support both themselves and their families.

Respondents also emphasised the importance of the availability of childcare, adult educational courses and affordable housing, whereas some expressed concern over the impact of cuts to services and benefit entitlements, and an increase in the cost of utility bills.

The latest census information (2011) shows that there was 3.9% unemployment in the Dulais Valley area and of those aged 16 and over, 34.3% have no qualifications, which is higher than the all Wales figure of 25.9%.

Of the 2,232 homes in the area, 1,534 (68.7%) were identified as being deprived using one or more of the following 4 dimensions of deprivation; employment, education, health/disability and household overcrowding (Census 2011).

The area comprises upland areas of conifer plantation forest, common land and hill farming.

The area bears testament to its reliance on coal, with the Cefn Coed Colliery museum, restored areas of opencast and remnant colliery spoil tips.

There are over 21 local wildlife rich areas and three Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including important habitat such as marshy grassland.

A number of hydropower schemes providing renewable energy have been constructed on the main river Dulais, as well as its tributaries.

Residents listed access to pollution free open spaces as the main factor contributing to environmental well-being. This was set within a wide range of issues, such as having organisations to protect vulnerable species, such as the marsh fritillary butterfly.

In terms of improvement that could be made to environmental well-being, respondents wanted:

Some respondents with mobility issues wanted more support to enjoy the environment and local services.

The culture of the community was especially important to cultural well-being in the area, along with opportunities for adult learning, choral singing, community volunteering, religious activities and fund raising.

The Dulais Valley has 13 listed buildings, the majority of which are located in Crynant. There is also one community managed library in Seven Sisters.

In total there are currently 11 parks/playgrounds in the area. Eight of these have fixed play equipment; four have a Multi-Use Games Area. Dulais Valley also has four green spaces, which range from informal amenity areas to woodland.

With regards to the Welsh language, 24.4% (1,156) of residents in Dulais Valley can speak Welsh.

The number of people from black and minority ethnic groups in the Port Talbot community area is small, reflecting the position in the County Borough as a whole.

Information from the Census shows a decrease in the percentage of people who identified themselves as Christian, from 68 in 2001 to 56% in 2011. During the same period, there was also a noticeable increase in people declaring that they had ‘no religion’, from 21% to 34%.

Factors which could improve well-being included more learning opportunities for disabled people and funding for bringing the community together.