Hello and welcome to The Valleys Lead.
We’ve got something a little different for you today.
A little introduction to the journalist behind The Valleys Lead this week. I’m Lauren Crosby Medlicott, a journalist living in Merthyr Tydfil. Each week, I bring you exclusive, in-depth reporting from around the south Wales valleys.
I’m enjoying a break with my children this week, as they are on half-term holidays, and so instead of my normal edition, I’m here to ask you to support the work The Valleys Lead is doing.
It’s been nearly a year since we launched, and I’ve been overwhelmed with the support from people who have read, contacted me about stories, agreed to share their personal experiences, and shared what we’ve produced.
We’ve covered the health visitors strike, flooding mitigation in Pontypridd, ALN education, contamination left from big-profit businesses, local businesses that are thriving and struggling, summer wildfires, anti-social behaviours, and the Senedd elections (and lots more).
And we’ve only been able to cover these because of your ever-growing support. Every phone call, email, and share helps.
There’s also a huge number of people that have subscribed to read our twice-weekly editions - both paid and free subscribers.
Thank you!
The reality is that we need to keep growing to ensure this financial model - which takes away a reliance on clickbait and adverts which block most of the screen - can be sustainable long-term. If you appreciate the work we’re doing, please consider backing us financially.
You can support us by simply subscribing via free (if you want to show support but can’t afford to financial contribute) and paid (if you have a bit of spare cash) options. You’ll get to read two newsletters a week from us. Each edition has three very brief news updates from the south Wales valleys, and a slightly longer-length story.
All you have to do is put your email in the box below, or email me at laurencrosbymedlicott@gmail.com and I’ll get you signed up.
And please, I always want to hear what is happening in your valley, your town, your village (seriously! no story is too small). Please email laurencrosbymedlicott@gmail.com with anything you feel we should cover.