The Upper Swansea Valley in which Ystalyfera is located is a series of close knit communities characterised by its former mining activities and more than its fair share of problems associated with de-industrialisation, poor local services and a lack of access to employment and other opportunities. However, Ystalyfera is nevertheless a vibrant place that has managed to attract new investment and in recent years through the work of the Trust and a number partner agencies, a range of new business, social enterprise and access to community based learning facilities have all been established and become a thriving part of the community.

The Trust maintains a number of properties on behalf of the local community, which includes start-up premises for local business and community enterprise, affordable housing for local people and a Community Learning Centre that provides a wide range of educational courses and the access to the latest IT and fast broadband internet access.

Community drop-in facilities are also hosted by the Trust for people seeking advice and guidance on education, employment or business matters, as well as information about what is going on in their community.