EMPOWERING GWYNEDD'S YOUTH

At GISDA, we believe every young person in Gwynedd deserves a safe, happy, and fulfilling future. That's why, alongside our valued partners, we've been providing a vital lifeline for 16-25-year-olds facing homelessness, vulnerability, or disadvantage since 1985.

More than just a roof; we're about building a foundation for success. From our dedicated hubs in Caernarfon, Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Pwllheli, we offer a wealth of opportunities to help young people thrive, including:

Bilingual Support: We offer all our services in both Welsh and English, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident accessing the support they need.

Accommodation: Safe and secure housing, giving young people a stable base from which they can build a brighter future.

Tailored support: We work closely with individuals, listening carefully to understand their unique needs before crafting a personalised plan.

Qualifications and training: Equipping young people with valuable skills and qualifications to boost employability prospects and open doors to new opportunities.

Life skills: Empowering young people to take charge by providing them with practical skills from cooking and budgeting to conquering job interviews.

Mental health support: Confidential support to navigate life's challenges, overcome obstacles and build resilience.

Creative outlets: We promote a vibrant community where young people can express themselves through art, music, and other creative pursuits.

And much more: From access to healthcare and education to opportunities for social connection and leisure activities, GISDA is a one-stop shop for youth empowerment, giving young people the tools and support they need to unlock their full potential.

MORE THAN JUST A SERVICE, GISDA IS A COMMUNITY SHAPED BY THE FOLLOWING VALUES:

Honesty: We believe in building trust and transparency with every young person we serve.

Respect, dignity, and empathy: We treat everyone with understanding, compassion, and respect for their beliefs, feelings, and rights.

Listening and hearing: We actively listen to the voices of young people to ensure our support is always relevant and responsive.

Equality and Fairness: We believe everyone deserves a fair chance, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Empowerment and enablement: We encourage young people to take charge of their lives and chase their dreams, and empower them with the tools they need to succeed.

We're passionate about helping young people in Gwynedd overcome challenges, unlock their potential, and build a brighter future. If you're a young person seeking support, or someone who wants to make a difference, join us on this journey. Together, we can create a Gwynedd where every young person thrives.

GISDA Management Board

GISDA is led by a dedicated board of trustees

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Chair of the Board

Llinos Owen

Llinos is originally from Bethel near Caernarfon. She is married to Gareth Pennant and they have two girls. While at school and university Llinos worked at Caffi Cei in Caernarfon. He also worked on the Noddfa play scheme. He graduated at the University in Bangor in Communication and then took a teacher's course. She was a teacher and Deputy Headteacher for 20 years in a secondary school in Gwynedd before she gave up her post two years ago. Llinos is now a partner on the family farm and runs her own holiday housing business. She is very active with Cneifio Gelert who was set up by her and other members three years ago collecting money towards different charities. She is also very active with the Tir Dewi charity. A charity that helps and supports farmers and their families. She has very wide-ranging experiences in education and working with young people and their families. Being a board member of Gisda gives her the opportunity to share her experiences and make a difference to the lives of the young people of Gwynedd.

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Vice Chairman

Peter Harlech Jones

Peter grew up in north Wales and went to school in Caernarfon and went on to graduate from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Liverpool University. He worked in veterinary practice in the UK and Canada for a number of years, after which he followed a successful career in veterinary medical research in Europe and the US. He was appointed the veterinary head of the European Commission’s Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products, and subsequently chief executive of the Global International Federation for Animal Health(IFAH) and was elected president of the British Veterinary Association in 2012-13. He is now retired from full time work and runs a global consultancy in veterinary medicine and is still very much active in veterinary affairs.

He and his husband Michael returned to live in Criccieth several years ago where he was declared the High Sheriff of Gwynedd, he is a trustee on GISDA’s board and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). He now enjoys volunteering and supporting local charities in Gwynedd.

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Treasurer of the Board

Dewi Jones

Dewi is a senior accountant for Natural Wealth of Wales. He joined the board in 2012 and was elected as the treasurer because of his knowledge and experience. He has a keen interest in music; he plays the horn in an orchestra and a band, and he plays the accordion for folk dancing events. Dewi is originally from Llanelli but now lives in Llangefni with a wife and three sons.

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Gilly Haradence

Gilly joined GISDA’s board in 2018. She works as a solicitor at local firm Tudur Owen Roberts Glynne & Co. She has previous experience running large late night venues like Cofi Roc, Paradox and the Octagon. Having previously completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration, she’s also qualified in mediation and arbitration. Through her work she became aware of some of the challenges facing disadvantaged young people, and she is keen to support an organisation that seeks to address these challenges. Gilly loves vintage comedy radio shows, music, and watching films. She also has an old Morris 1000 convertible that she takes to the odd car show.

Elwyn Jones

Elwyn Jones

Elwyn Jones

Gwenllian Glyn Parry

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Elen Foulkes

Elen is from Bethel near Caernarfon and has worked in various countries in events, business support and social enterprise. She returned to Wales in 2020 where she continues to work full time in these fields as well as running a local events initiative. She is currently studying a Business MBA, part-time and plans to complete it by the end of 2022. As a local young person who has seen the opportunities available outside the UK, Elen is eager to support Gisda with the aim of ensuring a quality service for vulnerable young people in North Wales. In her spare time, Elen loves to wander the mountains of Snowdonia and is always one to organizes social events.

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Mici Plwm

Ganwyd a magwyd Mici ym mhentref Llan Ffestiniog. Mae ganddo nifer o flynyddoedd o brofiad cyfathrebu proffesiynol a phrofiad o hyrwyddo digwyddiadau niferus ac amrywiol ac efo cysylltiadau a rhwydweithiau lleol a chymunedol eang yng Nghymru. Mae'n aelod o Orserdd Beirdd Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, aelod o Fwrdd Cwmni Seren ac yn Gynghorydd Tref Pwllheli. Mae'n Cyflwynydd Gwirfoddol Rhaglenni Radio Ysbyty Gwynedd. Yn ei amser hamdden mae Mici yn hoffi teithio, coginio ac yn aelod o Gor Y Brythoniaid. Mae Mici efo diddordeb mawr yn ei gymuned - ei orffenol, ac heb os ei dyfodol.