I’m Jase, and here is a little bit about my background and the work I do at Gypsies & Travellers Wales!

I’ve worked within Health and Social Care for 23 years working with Mental Health and Substance misuse for most of that time: supporting and empowering individuals to reach their goals in whatever area of their lives they wish to improve. I have been a part of lots of successful journeys over the years from supporting people to increase their confidence to be able to make phone calls or catching public transport leading on to obtaining secure employment, to being a part of Challenge Wales where myself and 10 young people sailed around the Welsh Coast for 5 days which was an incredible achievement for those individuals and a amazing experience!

I’ve been lucky enough to be working for Gypsies and Travellers Wales since October 2022. My role is Senior Engagement Officer and I manage the W.E.S.T project.

The WEST Project supports members of the community with Wellbeing, Employment, Skills and Training. All work is carried out in a person-centred way and completely client led which enables us to work on the things that really matter to them.

The aims of the project are;

• To support members of the community to increase confidence, self-esteem and positive self-image.

• Enhance work opportunities through developing and strengthening employability and practical skills.

• Supporting members of the community to start their own businesses.

• Facilitating driver theory sessions to support those who want to learn to drive through the theory test process from start to finish.

And much more!

It’s an exciting time for the WEST project as I am out working with our local Gypsy and Traveller communities quite a bit during GRT History Month. We also have a new member of staff joining the team soon which will enable the project to grow and support more members of the community to reach their goals.