Newport's Third Sector Network

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Welcome to the homepage of Newport's Third Sector Network, the Network exists to help facilitate conversations, connections, shared learning and partnership within the Third sector working in Newport. Meetings typically take place each quarter and are open to any third sector organisation based in or serving Newport residents.

Further details of upcoming sessions and notes from previous meetings can be found below.

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Newport's Forum

The Newport Third Sector forum is a group of elected members from our Third sector network to represent the sector and ensure the sectors voice is heard at forums and meetings with other local partners such as the local Authority, members of the current forum are listed below and will provide updates to the network from the meetings they have attended on behalf of the network.

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.

Elected to run until the end of 2026 with focus on Education & Training, Health, Wellbeing & Social Care.

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.

Elected to run until the end of 2027. Focus on Young People, Arts, Culture & Sport

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.

Elected to run until the end of 2027. Focus on Young People, Health Wellbeing & Social Care.

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.

Elected to run until the end of 2027, Focus on Health Wellbeing and Social Care

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.

Elected to Run until the end of 2027, Focus on Community Facilities.

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