Our trusted team
We currently have ten staff members based at Trowbridge Community Centre but you will likely see them throughout the week visiting the Rover Way and Shirenewton sites or in one of the local hubs. Our team cover the areas of Cardiff & Vale, Newport and Torfaen. The staff at Gypsies and Travellers Wales are non-judgmental, approachable and have a shared passion about improving the lives and outcomes for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
Louisa
Charity Director
Louisa
Louisa started working for Gypsies and Travellers Wales in 2015, prior to that her background was in Youth and Community work. She has worked for Cardiff Youth Service, Careers Wales and the Youth Offending Service on projects aimed at engaging those who are hardest reach back in to Education, Employment and Training.
Louisa has undertaken a number of roles within GT Wales, including Advice and Liaison Officer and Advice Services Manager and therefore has a sound understanding of all aspects of Social Welfare Law and experience delivering related services. Before taking up the post of Director, Louisa was seconded to Welsh Government for 15 months working in the Tackling Poverty team.
Louisa has a BA Hons in Youth and Community Work a MA in Social Welfare Law and is currently studying at Cardiff University undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Social and Public Policy.
Jay
Research Officer
Jay
As Research officer I am pulling together data and speaking with Gypsies and Travellers so I can advocate for the needs and desires of the communities in Wales, to government and other relevant establishments. The role is funded by Moving for Change, a network of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller organisations, so I am representing Wales and working locally and nationally for change.
I am a researcher and PhD candidate, focusing on stigma and injustice, including systemic discrimination in media, public bodies, health and welfare services and government. I am pleased to join a team that is dedicated and passionate about working for our clients and their wider communities.
Donna
Advice Service Co-ordinator
Donna
I have been a support worker for over 20 years, I started out as a youth worker then moved on to family support then tenancy support. I have a range of knowledge from youth development, Emotional and Mental health, Family support, tenancy support, benefits, and healthy relationships. I am thoroughly enjoying my work at Gypsies Travellers Wales, and have supported families and individuals with issues ranging from homelessness, benefits, anti-social behaviour, debt and grants. I hope to be able to make a positive difference in their lives and I hope to continue working to them to build resilience, confidence and positive opportunities for them.
Deborah
Senior Support Worker Gwent
Debs
In June 2021 the Gwent project was taken over by G&T Wales, but my role and the project has not changed. I have been working in housing since 1996 and have worked with the G&T community specifically for six years covering Gwent. I offer support with benefits, health, housing and work closely with education. My role is very varied and I will offer support with anything people need. If I can’t help, I normally know who can and will signpost someone to a relevant agency.
In 2017, working with a former colleague, we won two housing awards. The Diverse Cymru’s Promoting Equality and Diversity award and then an excellent commissioning award from the Chartered Institute of Housing. I felt proud to receive the award for our work with the Gypsy and Traveller communities. It was also a proud day, to have the community recognised in housing.
Jason
Senior Engagement Officer (Skills, Well-being, Employment and Learning Project)
Jason
Hi, I’m Jason (Jase) I am the senior engagement officer I’ve worked within Health and Social Care for 22 years. Within that time, I have gained knowledge and experience of working within and developing Mental Health Services using music as a medium to support positive mental health, process emotions, trauma, and grief.
I have experience of working within and developing Substance Misuse Services and have experience of working within Tenancy Support/Homelessness, Training and Education. I love watching people grow by achieving their goals and reaching their full potential.
I’m so pleased to be a part of the Gypsy & Travellers Wales Team!
Emma
Support Worker
Emma
I have about 12 years experience providing support to people from lots of different communities. My first role was as a residential carer and from there I have worked for a range of organisations, supporting people with mental health issues, substance use, homelessness, victims of crime, housing and benefits and individuals with physical and sensory impairments.
I have just joined the GTWales team and already I love that no two days are the same! I am really excited to learn more about the Gypsy and Traveller communities and how I can use my skills to positively impact people’s lives.
Claire
Support Worker
Claire
I joined the Gwent Team in January this year as Support Worker. I have worked within the mental health sector for over ten years and have a lot of experience regarding benefits/debts/tenancy support and all other related support. My role as Support Worker is extremely varied and I enjoy the different challenges that each day brings. I am really looking forward to building positive relationships within the community so that I can provide the best possible support.
Raquel
Support Worker
Raquel
My name is Raquel and I have been working in the support industry for 12 years, gaining lots of experience in all kinds of support needs. I have a passion for supporting those who need our help and enjoy meeting new clients learning from them and helping them achieve their life goals. In the short amount of time I have been Working for GT Wales I have gained further knowledge and understanding of the Gypsy and Traveller communities, and have had the chance to build good rapport with our wonderful clients. I only hope to further my knowledge each day and keep proving meaningful and helpful support to all our clients present and future.