Following the publication of the locations of C- and D-rated disused coal tips across Wales, Welsh Government commissioned Cazbah to design and deliver a series of information-sharing sessions for communities and stakeholders affected by these sites. The aim was to ensure that accurate, accessible information was available to those living or working in the most impacted areas.

Working closely with the Welsh Government team, Cazbah developed a bilingual engagement programme combining online and in-person events to maximise reach and accessibility. The virtual sessions, run on our own bilingual event platform eventbocs, were scheduled at varying times of day to accommodate different work patterns, while the face-to-face events were held in local authority areas most affected by the disused coal tip locations — including Torfaen, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Neath Port Talbot and Merthyr Tydfil.

To promote the sessions, Cazbah implemented a coordinated PR and social media advertising campaign to raise awareness and guide attendees to a bilingual online booking system. The registration process captured key details including local authority area, access and Welsh language requirements, and consent to receive further updates in line with data protection and privacy policies.

Participants formally registered for the online sessions, with additional “drop-in” attendees joining the in-person events after hearing about them through local promotion and Members of the Senedd. While attendance varied by location, participation at most face-to-face sessions exceeded registration number. A large proportion of attendees were local councillors, ensuring that the information shared would reach a wider community audience through local networks.

Results

The coal tip information sessions successfully provided clear, factual communication on a sensitive and complex issue, ensuring local voices were informed and heard.

• 56 individuals registered, with further engagement through drop-ins.

• Events delivered both online and in-person across five local authority areas.

• Pre-booked fully bilingual online session

• Drop-in clinics in 5 local authorities

• Bilingual access, flexible scheduling and targeted promotion ensured strong local participation.

• Councillors’ involvement extended the reach of information to their wider communities.