To wonder what can be done about ex mining towns in Wales?

[WelshDragon999]

I'm welsh, lived in Wales since I was born. Have lived in a variety of areas from Swansea to Cardiff and also abertillery, aberdare, Pontypridd, Blaina...
The cities do OK, and some of the small towns and parts of the valleys do ok if they're on a certain travel route, commutable or near a uni. But large areas of ex mining towns are suffering...
mental health issues, addiction issues, unemployment and a lack of amenities.
In one area (cwmbach, outskirts of aberdare) I was one of the only people in my block of flats that had a job - not for the lack of trying but there weren't many going. The local asda had over 1500 applicants for a temporary position and there wasn't much else going in the area. There still doesn't seem to be but I dearly hope things have improved.
I don't know if other areas are like this but Everyone seems wrapped up in London and the south of England because of how expensive it is
Aibu to wonder if anything can be done and if anyone ever really cares? Sadly I don't see many politicians giving much of a shit.

I've lived in the valleys all my life, except for when I briefly attended university in Cardiff. I was a high achiever at school as were my friends and I'm the only one who hasn't moved away for work (USA, Australia, London, Bristol, Edinburgh etc.). I'm also the only homeowner married with children. I took a fairly low paid job considering my school achievements to stay here because I love the area and can't imagine living anywhere else. My friends and family work in local councils, shops and schools but the job market is definitely competitive here.

The transport links near me are appalling and I know there'll never be any equity in my house.

Re relocation, having moved long distances for work it is not for the faint of heart, or those who rely on extended family for childcare, or those without a big chunk of spare cash.

If this is going to be the way things go, government will also have to look at things like high childcare costs and letting agent fees, and to change the benefit policies that assume everyone under 25 has the option to live rent free with their parents. I don't think it can be as straightforward as offering grants although that would be a good start.

I’ve been wondering the same about the area I live in. It recently came out that our suicide rates are double the national average!
Used to be great for jobs in steelworks but all that has gone. The town is rammed with pizza shops and not much else. Lots of the local seaside towns have gone downhill too with the council seemingly wasting money on random things that don’t generate any profit.

It’s such a shame to see as it could be a lovely area with a bit of effort put in.