Our trusted team
We currently have fourteen staff members. Our team cover the areas of Cardiff & Vale, Newport, Torfaen, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys. 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.
Donna
Advice and Liaison Service Co-ordinator
Donna
I am now the Advice and Liaison Service Coordinator, where I bring my previous experience to support and strengthen our team. I am committed to ensuring we provide the best possible service, empowering both our staff and the communities we serve.
Hannah
Office Administrator
Hannah
Before joining Gypsies and Travellers Wales, I worked across several sectors, including leisure, healthcare, and housing. My experience ranged from supervising leisure centres and working on reception to supporting radiology teams in the private hospital sector. I also managed maintenance coordination and annual gas servicing within housing associations. Through these roles, I developed strong organisational and communication skills, as well as a talent for supporting teams and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
I joined GT Wales because I wanted to be part of an organisation that truly makes a difference. Helping people has always been at the heart of what I do, and this role allows me to use my experience to support both my colleagues and the communities we serve. I take pride in being organised, dependable, and focused on creating an environment where everyone can do their best work.
It’s a privilege to work for a charity that champions Gypsy and Traveller communities across Wales. Promoting equal access to services and ensuring their voices are heard, valued, and respected.
Jason
WEST Project Senior Engagement Officer
Jason
Hi, I’m Jason (Jase). I am the senior engagement officer for the WEST project. 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 focussing on using music to process emotions, trauma and grief to support positive mental health.
I have experience of working within and developing Substance Misuse Services, Tenancy Support/Homelessness, Training and Education. I love watching people grow through achieving their goals and reaching their full potential.
I’m so pleased to be a part of the Gypsy & Travellers Wales Team!
Lauren
WEST Project Engagement Officer
Lauren
Hi I’m Lauren, I am an engagement officer for the WEST Project.
I have around 15 years experience of working and supporting people. I have worked with several organisations supporting people through homelessness, mental health issues, substance use, benefits and housing.
I hope to continue my journey with GT Wales supporting the community.
Elizabeth
Gypsy and Traveller Ambassador
Elizabeth
Elizabeth recently joined Gypsies and Travellers Wales as our Gypsy and Traveller Ambassador.
She grew up in Cardiff and comes from a mixed Gypsy and Traveller background, with an Irish Traveller father and a Romany Gypsy mother. Her lived experience and strong connection to community are central to her role.
Elizabeth has come into the position with a clear focus on making a meaningful difference for Gypsy and Traveller communities. She is particularly interested in influencing change at a Government level, promoting equality, standing up for rights and helping to protect Gypsy and Traveller culture.
Since starting, Elizabeth has already begun representing the organisation externally. Most recently, she attended a peaceful protest in Manchester, where she represented both Gypsies and Travellers Wales and the wider community.
Elizabeth will be working closely across the organisation, supporting engagement work and helping to ensure that community voices are reflected in our work.
Claire
Senior Advice and Support Worker
Claire
I joined the Gwent Team in January 2023 as a 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. I have recently been promoted to Senior Advice and Support worker. My role is extremely varied and I enjoy the different challenges that each day brings. I enjoy working with the Gypsy and Traveller community, strengthening positive relationships and ensuring the rights and needs of the people I support are met.
Raquel
Cardiff Advice and Support Worker
Raquel
Ellen
Cardiff Advice and Support Worker
Ellen
Georgia
Gwent Advice and Support Worker
Georgia
I joined the Team in October 2024 as advice line worker and have been fortunate enough to change roles to a support worker which I absolutely love.
I have worked as a support worker for over four years and have a lot of experience with mental health, housing, benefits and other related support. I have a passion as working as a support worker and helping those who need it to reach their goals and am always willing to learn something new every day as the role can be very varied.
I extremely enjoy meeting all the new people within the gypsy traveller community and building healthy and positive working relationships with them and look forward to what the future holds for me at GT Wales working with all of our amazing clients.
Nik
West Wales Advice and Support Worker
Nik
I have experience working in hospitals on wards and A&E including resettlement and activity coordination/integration. Additionally, I have worked within supported accommodation for mental health services, learning disabilities and young offenders in their own communities. I have spent some time working with adults and young people within the community at mental health drop-ins around Carmarthenshire both in groups and on a one-to-one basis.
Many of the projects I have been involved in have been related to working within the community providing help, guidance and support.
I studied Health and Social Care in Cardiff and now work and live in West Wales.
Tara
Mid Wales Advice and Support Worker
Tara
I have enjoyed working for social services and the NHS, which was both hands-on palliative care and care administration. My most recent role, Modern Slavery & Exploitation, involved assessing cases and enabling victims to gain services to help rebuild their lives.
Helping others is always my passion, I have enthusiasm and can empathise well with people from all walks of life.
Ianto
Advice and Support Worker
Ianto
I’ve worked in the advice sector since 2016, initially with Citizens Advice Bureau before moving on to study law at university.
Since completing my degree I began a role providing energy advice to people in my home village. From this I had a key part in organising the food bank and advice hub for the village. My most recent role was with Travelling Ahead before beginning with GT Wales.
Emma
Communication, Engagement and Policy Officer
Emma
I have been with GTWales for just over two years. I have loved working with the community within my role as a support worker. I have just started a new role as Communication, Engagement and Policy Officer. I am looking forward to the challenge this new role will bring and hope to implement change that will positively impact the community.