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.

Nicola Williams grew up in Penygraig and spent much of her childhood at Valleys Kids (the Bike Club), which provided a safe and active community space while her parents worked. She took part in local festivals, large community plays run by Pauline and Dennis, and has many fond early memories of being involved alongside her family.

As a teenager, she reconnected with Valleys Kids through Miranda’s drama classes. These sessions—where young people wrote scripts, shaped productions, and went on trips—had a major impact on her confidence, skills, and later career.

Nicola eventually became a staff member after a chance meeting with Miranda. She started with summer play schemes, learned to manage challenging behaviour, and later worked in youth and community roles in Penyrenglyn and Rhydyfelin. While working, she completed a youth work degree and developed a strong interest in family-focused programmes.

She believes Valleys Kids’ greatest strengths are its deep roots in the community, the sense of belonging it offers, and the safe, welcoming spaces it creates. However, she feels the organisation doesn’t always communicate the full breadth of its work to the wider public.

A standout memory for Nicola is seeing her mother reconnect with Valleys Kids in retirement, finding new purpose through groups and activities. For Nicola, Valleys Kids has shaped her own life, supported multiple generations of her family, and continues to be a vital part of the community.