This interview is part of our Valleys Voices Heritage Project, where we spoke to staff (past and present), volunteers and community members about their experiences with Valleys Kids over our rich, almost 50 year history.

Hannah first became involved with Valleys Kids at age 15, joining Sparc’s drama sessions after hearing about the work through Connor Morgan. Although she was very shy, she immediately felt welcomed and kept returning – beginning a 15-year journey.

Through Valleys Kids and Sparc, Hannah took part in major creative projects including Mzansi Cymru at the Wales Millennium Centre and a life-changing trip to South Africa. She volunteered on summer shows, contributed to arts programmes, and became a Sparc Associate. Her work expanded across the organisation, supporting neurodiverse events, co-running the Make It project, and working closely with staff across different centres.

Her international creative career began entirely through Sparc, leading her to projects in Germany, Bulgaria, Denmark, France and even the Amazon rainforest. She attended multiple IETM conferences with support from Sparc, helping her grow as an artist and build global relationships.

Valleys Kids is deeply important to Hannah. She says the arts provision is exceptional, but even more important is the sense of belonging, safety, and emotional support she’s felt since she was 15. She still turns to the team for guidance, and credits the organisation for launching her freelance career, leading to commissions, national co-productions, and work at the Edinburgh Festival.

Hannah gives back by ensuring Valleys Kids is acknowledged in her professional work, creating opportunities for young people to see her shows, and advocating for the next generation to access the same life-changing support she had.

She believes Valleys Kids is essential to local communities: it gives children safe, joyful experiences they may not otherwise have, led by skilled staff who create opportunities for fun, creativity, and connection—opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist without the organisation.