Meet the Team
Lauren H
Job title: Community Development Worker
Started at CVT: July 2025
About your role: I am part of the National Lottery team, where we create and deliver community events and activities. This includes organising family days, running classes, carrying out community consultations, and working closely with local communities to support their needs.
On a personal level, I lead a weekly LGBTQ+ social group and facilitate community dance sessions. These groups are very close to my heart, and I love being able to bring my passions and the things I care about most into my work.
Enjoy about working in the community: I live within the community and am passionate about helping to build a place where people support, contribute to, and empower one another. I enjoy getting to know community members and seeing everyone develop, grow, and gain new skills.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: Outside of work, I run my own company where I teach dance and produce shows and events—something I truly love and find incredibly rewarding. I also have two fur babies and really enjoy spending time with them and my partner. I love being outdoors in nature, especially camping and going for walks. Unique skill: I can stilt walk (it’s been a little while, but I’m counting it).
Started at CVT: July 2025
About your role: I am part of the National Lottery team, where we create and deliver community events and activities. This includes organising family days, running classes, carrying out community consultations, and working closely with local communities to support their needs.
On a personal level, I lead a weekly LGBTQ+ social group and facilitate community dance sessions. These groups are very close to my heart, and I love being able to bring my passions and the things I care about most into my work.
Enjoy about working in the community: I live within the community and am passionate about helping to build a place where people support, contribute to, and empower one another. I enjoy getting to know community members and seeing everyone develop, grow, and gain new skills.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: Outside of work, I run my own company where I teach dance and produce shows and events—something I truly love and find incredibly rewarding. I also have two fur babies and really enjoy spending time with them and my partner. I love being outdoors in nature, especially camping and going for walks. Unique skill: I can stilt walk (it’s been a little while, but I’m counting it).
Allison
Job title: Admin & Finance
Started at CVT: June 2017
About your role: I am responsible for Administration and Finance at Cambrian Village Trust.
Enjoy about working in the community: I have worked in a wide range of third sector organisations for over 30 years and have seen first-hand the difference that community organisations like CVT can make. Whether it’s helping people gain new skills, build confidence, or simply providing opportunities to socialise with others in the community, their impact is invaluable.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I enjoy watching grassroots rugby, reading, and, as is well known, I’m never one to say no to a holiday or two.
Started at CVT: June 2017
About your role: I am responsible for Administration and Finance at Cambrian Village Trust.
Enjoy about working in the community: I have worked in a wide range of third sector organisations for over 30 years and have seen first-hand the difference that community organisations like CVT can make. Whether it’s helping people gain new skills, build confidence, or simply providing opportunities to socialise with others in the community, their impact is invaluable.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I enjoy watching grassroots rugby, reading, and, as is well known, I’m never one to say no to a holiday or two.
Brittony
Job title: Community Development Coordinator
Started at CVT: I worked at CVT from 2021 to 2023, took two years to travel around Australia, and returned in September 2025.
About your role: I coordinate the National Lottery Stepping Stones Project at CVT. In my role as Community Development Coordinator, my work focuses on creating meaningful opportunities that support the project’s aims—promoting wellbeing, reducing isolation, and increasing community participation. I plan and deliver a range of community projects, events, and activities at CVT.
Enjoy about working in the community: I’m originally from Ammanford, so I was naturally drawn to the strong, community-driven spirit of the Rhondda Valley. Working at the Country Park is a real privilege—the setting is beautiful, no two days are the same, and the team is incredibly kind and welcoming. That combination is what drew me to Cambrian Village Trust and why I enjoy working here so much.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I have proudly represented Wales in Rugby League and am a qualified personal trainer. I also lived in Australia for two years, and I’ve recently become a mother to a fur baby.
Started at CVT: I worked at CVT from 2021 to 2023, took two years to travel around Australia, and returned in September 2025.
About your role: I coordinate the National Lottery Stepping Stones Project at CVT. In my role as Community Development Coordinator, my work focuses on creating meaningful opportunities that support the project’s aims—promoting wellbeing, reducing isolation, and increasing community participation. I plan and deliver a range of community projects, events, and activities at CVT.
Enjoy about working in the community: I’m originally from Ammanford, so I was naturally drawn to the strong, community-driven spirit of the Rhondda Valley. Working at the Country Park is a real privilege—the setting is beautiful, no two days are the same, and the team is incredibly kind and welcoming. That combination is what drew me to Cambrian Village Trust and why I enjoy working here so much.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I have proudly represented Wales in Rugby League and am a qualified personal trainer. I also lived in Australia for two years, and I’ve recently become a mother to a fur baby.
Lauren P
Job title: Lead ALN Coordinator
Started at CVT: January 2025
About your role: I work with individuals with a wide range of disabilities, providing fun and meaningful activities. I also deliver qualifications that help participants apply these skills in real-world settings. The activities I create are based on topics chosen throughout the year, supporting participants to develop their knowledge, understanding, and practical skills.
Enjoy about working in the community: I enjoy using my skills, knowledge, and creativity within my local community to support and empower individuals to thrive. I love helping people achieve a good quality of life and promoting independence wherever possible. My goal is for my groups to feel fully included and valued within their own community.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I love shopping and enjoy spending quality time with my partner and stepdaughter. Outside of Cambrian, I work as a PA, and I also support my brother, who has Down syndrome, always ensuring he has the best quality of life. I enjoy going to the gym, and I have had the honour of playing rounders for Wales.
Started at CVT: January 2025
About your role: I work with individuals with a wide range of disabilities, providing fun and meaningful activities. I also deliver qualifications that help participants apply these skills in real-world settings. The activities I create are based on topics chosen throughout the year, supporting participants to develop their knowledge, understanding, and practical skills.
Enjoy about working in the community: I enjoy using my skills, knowledge, and creativity within my local community to support and empower individuals to thrive. I love helping people achieve a good quality of life and promoting independence wherever possible. My goal is for my groups to feel fully included and valued within their own community.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I love shopping and enjoy spending quality time with my partner and stepdaughter. Outside of Cambrian, I work as a PA, and I also support my brother, who has Down syndrome, always ensuring he has the best quality of life. I enjoy going to the gym, and I have had the honour of playing rounders for Wales.
Jaya
Name: Jaya
Job title: Dementia Activities Practitioner
Started at CVT: November 2024
About your role: I deliver activity sessions to care homes across RCT, supporting residents living with dementia by providing meaningful activities that engage people both before and after diagnosis. I also run a weekly group called The Musketeers, which is designed to support individuals who may feel socially isolated.
Enjoy about working in the community: Cambrian Village Trust is an outstanding community-based charity that offers so much for people of all ages. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of such a special organisation.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: My death row meal would be, Doctor Pepper and a Bueno.
Job title: Dementia Activities Practitioner
Started at CVT: November 2024
About your role: I deliver activity sessions to care homes across RCT, supporting residents living with dementia by providing meaningful activities that engage people both before and after diagnosis. I also run a weekly group called The Musketeers, which is designed to support individuals who may feel socially isolated.
Enjoy about working in the community: Cambrian Village Trust is an outstanding community-based charity that offers so much for people of all ages. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of such a special organisation.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: My death row meal would be, Doctor Pepper and a Bueno.
Miles
Name: Miles
Job title: Alternative Education Lead Tutor
Started at CVT: May 2021
About your role: I am an Alternative Education Lead Tutor, delivering BTEC qualifications in Sport, Public Services, and Hospitality & Tourism to secondary school pupils across RCT and the Caerphilly County Borough. In my role, I create engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning experiences for young people who benefit from alternative education pathways. I plan and deliver vocational lessons that help learners develop practical skills, build confidence, and cultivate a positive attitude toward their future progression.
Enjoy about working in the community: I love being part of Cambrian Village Trust because of its fantastic facilities, strong sense of community, and welcoming team. The setting—the lake, colliery history, and football grounds—makes it a truly unique and inspiring place to work.
I was drawn here by my passion for sport and community development. Having studied Sport at the University of South Wales, I’ve always wanted to work somewhere that brings people together through sport, wellbeing, and local heritage. Cambrian Village Trust reflects everything I value: community spirit, opportunity, and making a real difference.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: Outside of work, I stay active in sport. I grew up boxing and represented Wales, and now coach young boxers, Cambrian United’s disability team, and the Kickin Queens football team. I also enjoy clay pigeon shooting on weekends as a fun challenge to switch off.
Job title: Alternative Education Lead Tutor
Started at CVT: May 2021
About your role: I am an Alternative Education Lead Tutor, delivering BTEC qualifications in Sport, Public Services, and Hospitality & Tourism to secondary school pupils across RCT and the Caerphilly County Borough. In my role, I create engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning experiences for young people who benefit from alternative education pathways. I plan and deliver vocational lessons that help learners develop practical skills, build confidence, and cultivate a positive attitude toward their future progression.
Enjoy about working in the community: I love being part of Cambrian Village Trust because of its fantastic facilities, strong sense of community, and welcoming team. The setting—the lake, colliery history, and football grounds—makes it a truly unique and inspiring place to work.
I was drawn here by my passion for sport and community development. Having studied Sport at the University of South Wales, I’ve always wanted to work somewhere that brings people together through sport, wellbeing, and local heritage. Cambrian Village Trust reflects everything I value: community spirit, opportunity, and making a real difference.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: Outside of work, I stay active in sport. I grew up boxing and represented Wales, and now coach young boxers, Cambrian United’s disability team, and the Kickin Queens football team. I also enjoy clay pigeon shooting on weekends as a fun challenge to switch off.
Mikey
Name: Mikey
Job title: Deputy Director of Operations
Started at CVT: March 2023
About your role: In my role, I am responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and improving CVT’s operational activities, ensuring that day-to-day operations run efficiently and align with the organisation’s strategic goals.
Enjoy about working in the community: Seeing firsthand the difference we make to people’s lives—whether it’s through a friendly chat over a cuppa or by taking part in one of the many activities we offer—is incredibly rewarding.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I ran the London Marathon in 2016 and am a proud dad to two girls.
Job title: Deputy Director of Operations
Started at CVT: March 2023
About your role: In my role, I am responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and improving CVT’s operational activities, ensuring that day-to-day operations run efficiently and align with the organisation’s strategic goals.
Enjoy about working in the community: Seeing firsthand the difference we make to people’s lives—whether it’s through a friendly chat over a cuppa or by taking part in one of the many activities we offer—is incredibly rewarding.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I ran the London Marathon in 2016 and am a proud dad to two girls.
Marcus
Name: Marcus
Job title: Volunteer Coordinator
Started at CVT: July 2024
About your role: My role is to support and manage all volunteers, providing upskilling opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have access to, whether at Cambrian or through our partner organisations.
Enjoy about working in the community: I enjoy working with people and seeing how they develop, and I really appreciate the variety and outdoor aspects my role offers. Some of the things I particularly enjoy include woodworking, making campfires, going on outdoor walks, and the occasional day on the lake in a canoe.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: Outside of work, I enjoy playing American football, going for walks with my family, and wild camping whenever I get the chance.
Job title: Volunteer Coordinator
Started at CVT: July 2024
About your role: My role is to support and manage all volunteers, providing upskilling opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have access to, whether at Cambrian or through our partner organisations.
Enjoy about working in the community: I enjoy working with people and seeing how they develop, and I really appreciate the variety and outdoor aspects my role offers. Some of the things I particularly enjoy include woodworking, making campfires, going on outdoor walks, and the occasional day on the lake in a canoe.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: Outside of work, I enjoy playing American football, going for walks with my family, and wild camping whenever I get the chance.
John Morgan
Name: John Morgan
Job title: Caretaker / Maintenance
Started at CVT: August 2024
About your role:
Enjoy about working in the community:
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest:
Job title: Caretaker / Maintenance
Started at CVT: August 2024
About your role:
Enjoy about working in the community:
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest:
Phil Williams
Job title: Director of Operations
Started at CVT: 2001 / Founder
About your role: My role over the last 25 years and beyond while setting the organisation up has been to develop and grow the Charity, and develop community facilities for the wider Community, while creating long term sustainability. To be able to support my partner Mandy in her efforts to grow the Lakeside Café into the venue it is today has been an absolute joy.
Enjoy about working in the community: Every day for the last 25 years or so , the first 14 years as a volunteer and the rest employed has been an absolute joy, having the opportunity to develop programmes and facilities within the community I was borne, is something that is really special and not many have the opportunity to help shape the Community you was brought up in, and see so many local people benefitting from everything that has been achieved over this time is very rewarding. Hopefully CVT can continue to impact on its local Community for another 25 years.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: My passion and Love besides my work and Family, has been football, and helping shape the future of Cambrian United over the last 40 years has become a real passion for myself and my family, and given me many years of enjoyment and laughter, while also much stress and tears along the way. I have been so lucky that my job has very often allowed me to include the Clubs ambitions to grow along with the growth of CVT and has been successful on both fronts and hopefully both will continue to grow over the coming years.
Started at CVT: 2001 / Founder
About your role: My role over the last 25 years and beyond while setting the organisation up has been to develop and grow the Charity, and develop community facilities for the wider Community, while creating long term sustainability. To be able to support my partner Mandy in her efforts to grow the Lakeside Café into the venue it is today has been an absolute joy.
Enjoy about working in the community: Every day for the last 25 years or so , the first 14 years as a volunteer and the rest employed has been an absolute joy, having the opportunity to develop programmes and facilities within the community I was borne, is something that is really special and not many have the opportunity to help shape the Community you was brought up in, and see so many local people benefitting from everything that has been achieved over this time is very rewarding. Hopefully CVT can continue to impact on its local Community for another 25 years.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: My passion and Love besides my work and Family, has been football, and helping shape the future of Cambrian United over the last 40 years has become a real passion for myself and my family, and given me many years of enjoyment and laughter, while also much stress and tears along the way. I have been so lucky that my job has very often allowed me to include the Clubs ambitions to grow along with the growth of CVT and has been successful on both fronts and hopefully both will continue to grow over the coming years.
Donna
Job title: Education Engagement Coach
Started at CVT: December 2024
About your role: I deliver alternative education courses to teenagers who may find it difficult to concentrate in a traditional school setting. I also provide one-to-one tutoring, which I really enjoy.
Enjoy about working in the community: I really enjoy working at Cambrian Village Trust. All the staff are lovely to work alongside, and I find it incredibly rewarding to see pupils thrive and achieve their goals while here. Building bonds with these children and supporting their growth is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I love being a mammy to my little boy, Ellis, but in my spare time, I also enjoy shopping and going out with my friends.
Started at CVT: December 2024
About your role: I deliver alternative education courses to teenagers who may find it difficult to concentrate in a traditional school setting. I also provide one-to-one tutoring, which I really enjoy.
Enjoy about working in the community: I really enjoy working at Cambrian Village Trust. All the staff are lovely to work alongside, and I find it incredibly rewarding to see pupils thrive and achieve their goals while here. Building bonds with these children and supporting their growth is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I love being a mammy to my little boy, Ellis, but in my spare time, I also enjoy shopping and going out with my friends.
Rhys
Job title: Education Engagement Coach
Started at CVT: September 2023
About your role: I help organise and oversee practical activities and support tutors by assisting learners with work they need to catch up on or find challenging.
Enjoy about working in the community: I’ve always wanted to help people become the best version of themselves. My goal is to support them in being better than they were yesterday, leaving each session with a smile and a genuine desire to return—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I’m a two-time Paralympic sprinter and have competed in three Commonwealth Games, including pedalling at the Glasgow Games in 2014. I’m also a European medallist. Now retired from athletics, I coach at my local athletics club, and outside of work and sport, I enjoy photography.
Started at CVT: September 2023
About your role: I help organise and oversee practical activities and support tutors by assisting learners with work they need to catch up on or find challenging.
Enjoy about working in the community: I’ve always wanted to help people become the best version of themselves. My goal is to support them in being better than they were yesterday, leaving each session with a smile and a genuine desire to return—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: I’m a two-time Paralympic sprinter and have competed in three Commonwealth Games, including pedalling at the Glasgow Games in 2014. I’m also a European medallist. Now retired from athletics, I coach at my local athletics club, and outside of work and sport, I enjoy photography.
Owen
Job title: Cleaning Operative
Started at CVT: October 2023
About your role: I am responsible for ensuring that the Cambrian Village Trust building and the lakeside are maintained to a high standard and are fully prepared for both staff and customers. As the first person on site, I take great pride in setting this standard and in the quality of my work.
Enjoy about working in the community: I love working here because everyone treats me well and fairly. This job gives me independence and a real sense of belonging. All the staff are lovely, and I especially value that this is my first job and the first place where I’ve truly felt treated like a human being and part of a team.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: My hobbies include singing with the Treorchy Male Voice Choir, weight lifting, which I have been doing since I was 15 years old, and playing the guitar, which I have played since I was 12 years old. My musical inspiration comes mainly from 1980s rock music.
Started at CVT: October 2023
About your role: I am responsible for ensuring that the Cambrian Village Trust building and the lakeside are maintained to a high standard and are fully prepared for both staff and customers. As the first person on site, I take great pride in setting this standard and in the quality of my work.
Enjoy about working in the community: I love working here because everyone treats me well and fairly. This job gives me independence and a real sense of belonging. All the staff are lovely, and I especially value that this is my first job and the first place where I’ve truly felt treated like a human being and part of a team.
Fun Fact/Hobby/Interest: My hobbies include singing with the Treorchy Male Voice Choir, weight lifting, which I have been doing since I was 15 years old, and playing the guitar, which I have played since I was 12 years old. My musical inspiration comes mainly from 1980s rock music.
