Bronllys Well-Being Park Community Land Trust (BWBP) hosted its third annual Health and Well-Being Forum at Talgarth Town Hall, bringing together nearly 60 community members, health leaders, and policymakers to explore the future of healthcare and well-being in Powys.

This year’s theme was “Reimagining Rural Healthcare: The Case for the Bronllys Well-Being Community Hub” — highlighted innovative, community-led approaches to strengthening healthcare access, housing, and well-being in south Powys and beyond.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from Jacqui Wilding, Chair of BWBP, and a heartfelt message from nine-year-old Gaia Farrell, reminding the audience that decisions taken today will shape the future for younger generations.

“Being healthy isn’t only about doctors or medicine. It’s also about having a safe home, clean air, people who care about you, and fun things that make you happy,” Gaia told attendees.

The keynote address was delivered by David Chadwick MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe, who outlined both the challenges and opportunities of community-driven healthcare models, drawing on BWBP’s recent position papers on rural health, community asset transfer, and the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

“This project shows that a community can come forward with plans, muster a huge army of supporters, and keep a vision alive for over a decade. It demonstrates just how much this community cares about its future,” said Chadwick.

He described the proposed Hub as “ambitious and practical — bringing healthcare closer to home, providing affordable housing for staff, and focusing on prevention and wellbeing, all led by the community itself.”

Looking beyond Bronllys, he added: “If we get this right in Bronllys, it won’t just be a win for one town. This could be a model that gives hope to rural communities across Wales.”

David Chadwick was joined on the panel by: Sian Cox, Powys County Councillor, Llangors with Bwlch; Casey Edwards, Communities Creating Homes Programme Manager, Cwmpas; Charlie Palmer, Architect and Founding Director, Incremental; Clair Swales, CEO, Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations; Hayley Thomas, CEO, Powys Teaching Health Board.

Charlie Palmer gave a featured presentation on community-led development, addressing barriers to community ownership of underutilised public land and exploring reforms to unlock its social value. Reflecting on what could make the greatest difference to health and well-being, he urged the need for “long-term thinking with short-term action” — a challenge to decision-makers and communities alike to match vision with immediate steps.

Following the presentations, a lively audience Q&A session ran for nearly an hour, with local residents raising concerns and suggestions about healthcare access, housing, and community well-being. Many questions were directed towards Hayley Thomas, CEO of Powys Teaching Health Board.

"This Forum shows the power of a community coming together with decision-makers to shape practical, lasting solutions for rural health and well-being. The Bronllys Well-Being Community Hub represents not just a vision, but a tangible step toward a healthier, more resilient Powys," said Jacqui Wilding.

The evening closed with refreshments and informal networking, giving participants the chance to continue conversations and exchange ideas.