Our work in Wales

We are part of Carers Trust, an ambitious national charity committed to improving support and services for unpaid carers.

Carers Trust Wales aims to shape a better future with and for carers in Wales by raising awareness, empowering carers and influencing change.

We work closely and collaboratively with our Network Partners – local and regional independent charities which deliver information, advice and practical support for unpaid carers in Wales. 

Last year our Network Partners reached more than 36,000 carers in Wales

We know that there are at least 370,000 carers in Wales (which is 10% more than the population of Cardiff) and that three in five of us will become a carer at some point in our lives.

Carers Trust Wales is committed to making sure that all carers receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Meet the team

Carers Trust Wales Advisory Board 

Sally Anstey

Sally Anstey is a trained nurse, with an understanding of the challenges associated with health and social care. Born and brought up in London, Sally initially trained as a nurse and returned to Wales, where her maternal grandfather, a very proud Welshman, was born. Sally worked across all care settings in many clinical roles finally specialising in End of Life Care. Sally is now a Senior Lecturer/Researcher for the School of Healthcare Sciences Cardiff University. Giving primacy to voice and experiences of patients and carers is an essential part of her work. Their stories have enabled the design, development, delivery and evaluation of projects to raise awareness at strategic, organisational and clinical levels to support and empower them in their unpaid caring roles.

Jo Galazka 

Jo works for Unite the Union as a Regional Women & Equalities Officer in Wales. The role involves representing members in the workplace, negotiating with employers and fighting for fairness and equality in the workplace. She is passionate about ensuring carers are properly supported in work and have a voice in the decision-making process. 

She has lived in Cardiff for the last 10 years and is an avid campaigner for carers’ rights. Becoming a young carer at the age of 9 has shaped the person she has become and her lived experience has made her determined to champion carers’ rights at every opportunity.   

Ifor Glyn 

Ifor Glyn started his career at the Swansea Drugs Project, one of the first harm reduction agencies in Wales. He also helped establish a substance misuse service within Caerphilly Social Services and worked at WCADA (Welsh Centre for Action on Dependency and Addiction Ltd) before returning to the Swansea Drugs Project as its CEO in 2007.  

In 2017, Ifor took up the role of director of the Swansea Carers Centre, a charity providing a range of services to unpaid carers in Swansea, such as respite in the home, day centre, welfare benefits, counselling, activities, drop in, specific services for young adult carers, parent carers and mental health. 

Despite no longer working in the substance misuse field, Ifor continues to be passionate about minimising the harm caused by drugs or alcohol to individuals and communities. 

Additionally, Ifor is a Welsh speaker and is a frequent contributor to Welsh Language TV and radio.   

In her spare time Alison enjoys reading and spending time with her family, including her 3 grandchildren. 

Chris Koehli 

Chris is an accountant who has worked in both the private and public sectors in Wales and England. He is focused on ensuring that disadvantaged groups have better access to healthcare and public services. Chris is Chair of the Pobl Care and Support Board and is a non-executive director on the Pobl Group Board. He has held a number of other non-executive positions, including Chair of Cadarn Housing Group and as an independent member of the Aneurin Beavan University and Cardiff Local Health Boards.  

Chris is passionate about ensuring that unpaid carers are properly recognised and supported in carrying out their roles and have a real voice in the delivery of health and social care. He had been involved with several organisations that support carers and has in recent years been Chair of the Cardiff Carers Centre and Chair of the Greater Gwent Partnership Carers Board.  

Chris was awarded an MBE in 2018 for Services to Carers and Healthcare in Wales. 

Gareth Morlais 

Gareth is a Welsh language technology specialist with the Welsh Government, working with groups developing speech-to-text, computer aided translation and conversational artificial intelligence, all in the Welsh language. Gareth’s voluntary role with Carers Trust Wales is independent of his work with government.  

In his spare time, Gareth is a trustee of the Welsh Broadcasting Trust, a non-executive director of Breaking Barriers Community Arts and runs several hyperlocal and minority language word-a-day websites.  

Alison Harries

Jenny O'Hara Jakeway 

Kate Cubbage