They represent a cross-section of rural communities.
They’ve recently become members of the Local Action Group (LAG) that helps support social enterprises, the countryside and communities in rural areas.
The group plays a key role in the council-managed Rural Development Partnership (RDP).
Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for business improvement and performance, said:
“We’ve recruited new members including those with backgrounds in the third and private sectors; they all have a passion for our main rural areas.
“The group brings creativity and ambition to Swansea’s RDP and helps maximise the difference the programme makes.”
To date, the LAG has issued around £430,000 in grant funding from the RDP.
Gower-based Anglican priest Nigel Doyle said:
“People often have very good ideas about small things which could improve a community in little ways, but don’t know how to go about making them happen. The LAG is an opportunity to see these small ideas become a big reality on the ground for the benefit of the immediate community and the wider area.”
Fellow new LAG member Amy-Beth McCarthy, a young carers officer at Swansea YMCA, said:
“I joined the LAG to represent young people through my desire for a sustainable Swansea where local communities can truly belong contribute and thrive. I’m passionate about the environment and our natural heritage.”
Rob Morgan, of a Gower farming family, said:
“My passion is to see Gower have a strong community identity, to keep young people employed on Gower, to have more products produced here and to keep our seas clean and accessible.”
Malcolm Ridge, chair of The Gower Society board of trustees, said:
“Useful initiatives often start with one person or a small group of people - if the action group can involve more members of our different communities, we’re likely to get a more accurate reflection of what’s in the best interests of the communities as a whole.”
The RDP is a seven-year European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development programme funded by the European Union and the Welsh Government’s Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, ending in 2023.