Blaenau Gwent

Brian Hayward

Nestled in South Wales, Blaenau Gwent is a county rich in history yet marked by the struggles of a post-industrial world. This area, once thriving on the production of iron, steel, and coal, is now defined by its high valleys and tight-knit communities, each with its own unique identity. The main towns—Abertillery, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale, and Tredegar (birthplace of Aneurin Bevan, the founder of the National Health Service)—have weathered a lot of change, and while they’re full of character, they also face significant challenges.

The decline of the local industries that once brought prosperity has left deep scars. Poverty, long-term sickness, and unemployment remain widespread, with generations struggling to rise above the limitations of their circumstances. The area is battling issues such as poor mental and physical health, addiction, and a sense of hopelessness that can feel hard to shake. Although employment has improved slightly in recent years, jobs are often insecure, and there’s little expectation of higher education for many young people.

Yet, amidst these difficulties, the valleys are now greener than they were during the industrial boom. The once-polluted rivers now run clean, fish swim where factories once stood, and the natural beauty of the area is undeniable. Still, it’s disheartening to hear locals dismissing it as "a dump," unable to see the beauty that’s so clearly there.

Blaenau Gwent’s geography—its winding valleys and scattered villages—creates strong community bonds, but can also lead to a sense of isolation. While people here are generally warm and friendly, it’s not always easy to break into the tight social circles built on generations of family and friendship. However, in recent years, an influx of new residents, particularly Eastern Europeans and Nigerians, has brought a new dynamic to the area. For some local churches, this shift has been a real blessing, injecting fresh energy into their congregations.

The area has deep spiritual roots, with a history steeped in non-conformism dating back to the early days of Christianity in Wales. Communities here were touched by the revivals of the 18th and early 20th centuries, though not all churches felt the impact of the 1904 revival. Today, church attendance is low, with most congregations numbering between 20 and 25 people. Still, local churches remain active in meeting the practical needs of their communities, running food banks, clothing projects, and more.

There is, however, a glimmer of spiritual hope in the region. Some churches have seen people returning to faith, and a handful of new salvations have been reported in the past year. Interestingly, there’s a growing curiosity about spirituality, particularly among young people, with some showing a renewed interest in reading the Bible. This is an area in desperate need of both spiritual revival and material regeneration, but there are signs that God is at work.

As we consider how to pray for Blaenau Gwent, here’s a powerful poem written by a local church leader, reflecting on the town of Abertillery:

Town of Black Gold
Town of black gold, you thrived on industry
And kept me central in your ways
Now I am on the margins of your town,
You are on the margins of your nation
But put away your human gold
Dig deeper than the open casts
To the Kingdom soil, down deep.
On knees of prayer is your glory.
Town of black gold.

Prayer Points:

1. Eyes to the Hills – Pray that people would begin to lift their eyes and recognise the natural beauty of their surroundings, leading their hearts to the Creator.

2. Confidence in the Gospel – Pray that local churches would regain confidence in boldly and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. Spiritual Curiosity – Pray that the growing interest in the Bible and spirituality, especially among young people, will continue to rise and bear fruit.

4. New Church Planters – Pray for church planters to be drawn to this area, ready to stand alongside those who have faithfully served for years, often with little visible fruit.

5. Unified Prayer – Pray for a movement of prayer among local believers, that they would come together to pray for their communities, seeking God’s revival and healing.

As we lift these prayers, we ask that God will "hear from heaven and heal our land," renewing Blaenau Gwent with His grace and power. There is much work to be done, but we trust that, in God’s timing, we will see transformation in these valleys.