In this episode, Dawn sits down with co-founder and long-time collaborator, Zoe Antrobus, for an honest and uplifting conversation about the mission behind 4theRegion and the work they’ve been doing for the last eight years. 

Together, they reflect on why 4theRegion exists, how it started, and what it means to bring people, businesses and organisations together across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. They talk about the power of positivity, the importance of collaboration, and the real meaning of empowerment — and how these values show up in everything from monthly newsletters to county-wide forums to large-scale regional events.

Zoe shares her passion for the region where she grew up and worked her whole life, and explains why local connection and cross-sector partnership matter now more than ever. They explore what makes the county forums special, how the open agenda format gives everyone a voice, and why celebrating local changemakers is such a powerful catalyst for action.

They also discuss the 4theRegion membership — who joins, why they join, and how a network of committed people and organisations is helping to co-create a happier, healthier South West Wales with a thriving economy.

If you care about the future of South West Wales, this conversation is a great introduction to the movement growing across the region.