Socio-economic factors.
The area as a whole is economically and consequently socially deprived as most clearly evidenced by the European Union placing Neath Port Talbot County Borough within the Objective One Funding Area. The E.U. definition of an Objective One funding area is, 'To help redevelop regions seriously lagging behind the European Union average'
Whilst never commonly wealthy what was a thriving port town exporting coal, iron and steel worldwide, is now officially considered to be one of the most economic and socially deprived areas in Europe.

Parish Life
The parish is served by the Parish Church of St. Theodore, Holy Cross and St. Peter's, Goytre. With the exception of the first Sunday in the month, when the parish gathers together for a Parish Family Eucharist, each church celebrates a Eucharist on a Sunday. Evensong is held in St. Theodore's Church weekly as are other mid week services.

The Parish Hall is located on site with St. Theodore's Church and is utilised for many social functions of the parish, church groups, Guiding groups, and is hired by organisations and individuals.

Within the parish there are four non-conformist chapels of varying denomination and a Roman Catholic Church. Good ecumenical relations exist. Many ecumenical and Civic services are held in St. Theodore's Church since it is the largest church in Port Talbot.

The Port Talbot Branch of the Royal British Legion is situated in the Parish and the Vicar is their Chaplain.

The Port Talbot Dock's Mission to Seafarers is situated in the Parish and opens daily when a ship is berthed. Parishioners staff the Mission to welcome seafarers from all over the world. The Vicar is the Hon. Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers.

Port Talbot fire station is in the Parish and the Vicar is Chaplin to the Mid and West Wales Fire Service with responsibility to the Neath Port Talbot Division.

The Vicar is also Hon. Chaplin to Port Talbot Air Cadets.

The Parish Magazine sells 350 copies every month, indicating the broad base of support there is within the parish.

For more details of parish life over the past year see Parish Report.

 

  
 

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