Newport's Third Sector Network

This page is under construction and will be fully launched in January 2026

Meet the Forum

Following the formal nomination and election process the following people were selected to sit on the forum and represent local third sector organisations with key stakeholders in meetings as part of the Third Sector Partnership Agreement

Nkechi Allen Dawson

Nkechi is a collaborative leader and co-founder of Cynefin Pamoja, uniting local organisations to share resources and drive impact. With expertise in funding, governance, and volunteer coordination, she delivers practical solutions for the Third Sector. A champion of inclusivity, fluent in five languages, and skilled at building bridges across communities and funders, Nkechi combines strategic vision with measurable results—making her an outstanding advocate for Newport’s charitable landscape.

Jotsna Begum

Jotsna from KidCare4U supports 500+ service users weekly from nine ethnic backgrounds, tackling language and digital barriers. With eight years of trusted community work, our lived-experience team bridges gaps between public services and diverse communities—making “hard-to-reach” groups accessible. From health and education to youth engagement, we deliver inclusive, culturally relevant support, including a Saturday club for 180 young people. We bring collaboration, insight, and commitment to shaping responsive, equitable services for Newport.

Femi David

Femi is director of Y Plant Affricanaidd CIC, I champion wellbeing for under-represented communities in Newport. Our work spans child protection awareness, parenting courses, cultural competence training, and advocacy for BAME families. We collaborate with schools and statutory services to deliver trauma-informed, culturally relevant interventions. Combining grassroots insight with social policy expertise, I aim to ensure diverse voices shape inclusive service delivery—building resilience, equity, and long-term impact across health, wellbeing, and youth sectors.

Tessa Polniaszek

Tessa is director of Thinking Diversity CIC, I lead a disability-led social enterprise driving neurodiversity inclusion and empowerment. We deliver audits, training, consultancy, and co-production to make inclusion the norm. With 40 years’ experience across public and third sectors, strategic forums, and grassroots networks—plus lived experience of neurodivergence—I bring deep insight and commitment to equity. My focus: long-term, collaborative, trauma-informed solutions that amplify diverse voices and shape inclusive services for Newport.

Jayne Rose

Jayne has a number of years experience in strategic governance as a Newport City Homes board member and as Chair of Pillgwenlly Millennium Centre, I champion collaboration, inclusivity, and community resilience. Skilled in marketing, training, and fundraising, I’ve secured grants, raised the Centre’s profile, and maximized resources through innovative space use. Passionate about intergenerational learning and empowering diverse voices, I bring strong leadership and creative thinking to ensure sustainable growth and thriving community connections.

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