Programme partners

Hello, everyone! I’m the Programme Coordinator at Multiply Merthyr Tydfil. My role is like the hub of a wheel, connecting all the spokes to make everything run smoothly.

I manage an amazing team which consists of an administrator, quality officer and tutors, each one a star in their own right, dedicated to helping our community learn and grow. Together, we create and deliver programs that are as enjoyable as they are educational.

Part of my job is to find great places in our community where we can hold our classes. I work closely with community venues, making sure we have the perfect space for each programme.

I also oversee a partnership with two fantastic local businesses in Citizens Advice Merthyr Tydfil and Tydfil Training. It’s all about teamwork and collaboration, and these partnerships help us bring even more value to our programmes.

Now, for some fun facts about me - I’m a huge fan of football, and have played football since the age of 12. Oddly, I support Birmingham City. And yes, It’s always a conversation starter! I’m also a big “Lord of the Rings” enthusiast and could talk about the films all day long. I’m also a fitness fanatic! I love playing a variety of sports and I’ve been going to the gym for the past 15 years. In fact, before I moved into education, I worked in the fitness industry.

When I’m not working or become frustrated when watching Birmingham play, I love spending time with my family. I have three young children who keep me on my toes, so my time is never really my own - but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

So, if you see me around, feel free to say hello! I’m always up for a chat about our programmes, our community, and how we can make learning fun for everyone.

Remember, we’re always open to suggestions. If you have an idea that could benefit the community and enhance people’s skills, I’d love to hear it! 😊

My name is Diane Newman-Jenkins and I’m an Essential Skills Tutor teaching Numeracy at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, and I’m part of the team that deliver the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme across the Borough. 

I am an experienced teacher with over 20 years of experience under my belt.  I have taught on numerous Community Projects as well as 2 different local High Schools.  I am enjoying my role with the Multiply Project as it allows me to share my love of Arts and Crafts by combining them into numeracy sessions.

It comes as no surprise that my hobbies are arts and crafts.  I run a successful Ladies Craft Club in my local area. I am also the Chairperson of Friends of Thomastown Park and I am part of a team responsible for refurbishing the play area, with future plans of a Splash pad for local children to enjoy.

My other love is the outdoors where I will often be seen walking my two French Bulldogs.  I have run many 10K runs and the Cardiff Half Marathon for charity.  I am always up for a challenge!

Come and join me on the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil Project!

Shwmae! I’m Emma and I’m currently an Essential Skills Tutor at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

I currently develop and implement community engagement programmes to promote educational opportunities for people throughout Merthyr as part of the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme. I collaborate with many community organisations and other partners to create partnerships that support educational goals.

I engage with community members to assess their needs and provide tailored educational support whilst also planning and facilitating fun and memorable workshops, events, and activities that promote learning and skill development.

My love of teaching started when I taught in Spain for several months as an English teacher. Helping people develop their understanding of a topic is what I’m passionate about, seeing that lightbulb moment when a person understands a concept they have struggled with throughout their lives is such a fulfilling experience!

Outside of work I love spending time with family, especially our little boy who keeps us very busy! Our favourite thing to do is read together; we’re currently working our way through the Very Hungry Caterpillar. It’s such a pleasure to see how much joy books can bring to us both!

I’ve also been doing my own learning over the past few years, taking Welsh language classes and I’m passionate about becoming fluent one day. I like to keep fit by walking our dogs and finding hidden beauty spots in our local area.

Finally, I love to travel and experience different cultures and languages. Immersing myself in a new environment while practicing any language, in my opinion, is such a rewarding experience.

I’d be happy to meet with anyone who is thinking of joining a Multiply Merthyr Tydfil course, get in touch and we can chat through the best options for your development!

Hi everyone, my name is Lauren Harris, and I am a Family Learning Tutor at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, working mostly within primary schools across the mid-cluster of the Borough as part of the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme.

As a former primary school teacher myself, I know first-hand the benefits that parents and guardians can give their child by supporting their learning. Learning together with your child is such a rewarding experience and as part of my role, I aim to support parents and guardians to ensure they feel confident when helping their children with the Mathematics they are learning at school.

I do this by explaining the methods and steps involved to get the required answer, using the same method their child is taught at school. I hope to make homework less stressful for both parents and children.

If you are a parent or guardian who wants to boost their number knowledge, don’t hesitate in getting in touch and I can support you!

Hello 👋 I’m Sarah Morgan, an Essential Skills Tutor at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

As part of the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme, I want to encourage people to upskill their numeracy and literacy skills by providing them with safe, fun environments to learn. I offer one-to-one and group sessions to build confidence through accredited courses.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. I have recently taken up scuba diving and been fortunate to see turtles, dolphins, and sharks (from a distance 😊) during the two years I have been certified.

Whatever your ambitions for your learning, get in touch and the team and I can support you through our range of courses!

Hi there, I'm Catherine Bhogal, and I'm a Family Learning Tutor at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. My passion lies in helping families with children in all year groups boost their numeracy skills in fun and interactive ways.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to work with families and introducing them to different activities that make learning numeracy enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether it's through games, hands-on exercises, or creative projects, I love finding unique ways to engage both parents and children alike.

For families with older children, I also make sure to provide insight into the numeracy methods taught in schools today. By bridging the gap between home and classroom learning, I aim to empower families to support their children's educational journey every step of the way.

Being able to witness the confidence and excitement that comes with mastering numeracy skills is incredibly rewarding. I'm dedicated to creating a supportive and welcoming environment where families can thrive together.

Outside of work, you'll probably find me with my family. We're a pretty active bunch, always on the go and exploring new places together, whether we're out in nature hiking, playing a round of golf, or doing sea sports, we love the great outdoors!

Become your child’s homework hero with Multiply Merthyr Tydfil, get in touch today

Hey, I'm Claudia Meyrick-Ward, and I'm a Family Learning Tutor at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

I’m passionate about empowering adults to boost their numeracy skills through a family learning approach. I have the amazing opportunity to lead sessions in school settings, where I focus on topics that children may be learning in school.

My goal is to give parents a better understanding of numeracy concepts, ultimately helping them build confidence in supporting their children with homework.

Outside of my role as a tutor, you'll often find me on the rugby field, proudly representing Llandaff North Women's team in Cardiff. Rugby isn't just a sport for me—it's a passion that brings me joy, and a sense of belonging to a strong community.

Join me in our Multiply Merthyr Tydfil community and help your child thrive!

Hello, my name is Kelly Cross, and I’m the Accreditation and Moderation officer at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and I also work on the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme.

My role is to carry out internal quality assurance checks which include pre- course planning, registrations, claims, and certification of all awards achieved.

I have 10+ years’ of experience working in the Education sector. During this time, I have carried out a variety of different roles as a qualified Teacher, Assessor, BDC, Lead Tutor and IQA.

My journey within Education to date has given me a wealth of experience and knowledge, all of this I bring to my current role to support learners within our projects across the Borough.

Each setting has enriched my understanding of education and reinforced my commitment to supporting individuals to succeed. During my practice I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of, students, families, & professionals and I also look forward to working with you through the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme!

Hi, I'm Gaynor Ralph and I’m the Admin Assistant for the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme! My journey to this role began with a career change that led me to join the Council in January 2024, prior to this I worked in retail for 35 years.

Learning and professional development has become a huge part of my life in recent years so I can relate first hand with many of the course attendees that join the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme.

As a mature student, I’ve enrolled on a number of part-time courses, which first of all earned me my ICDL Level 1 & 2 certifications. This opened the doors for me to take part in an Active Inclusion project with Citizens Advice as a generalist advisor. Alongside this, I kept my admin skills up to date with various short-term positions and completed my Business Admin Level 2.

Currently, I'm diving deeper into my professional development by pursuing formal qualifications in Maths and English, eager to keep growing in my new career.

Beyond work, you'll often find me exploring new places, buried in a good book, or enjoying quality time with friends. And of course, there's nothing like a cozy binge-watch session of the latest programme at home to unwind.

If anyone is hesitant about joining a Multiply course or just need general advice on what courses are best for you, I’d be happy to help 😊

Remember, it's never too late - every day is a school day!

Hi there! I'm Karen, and I've had the pleasure of being part of the Tydfil Training family for over 27 years now. Throughout my time here, I've been dedicated to delivering literacy and numeracy skills to both adults and young people across the Borough, helping them unlock their full potential.

Beyond my Essential Skills qualifications, I have multiple other qualifications that support me in my day-to-day role including in sociology, psychology and law. I’m also a qualified assessor and Internal Verifier for City and Guilds, passionate about ensuring quality education and training for all.

Outside of work, you'll often find me indulging in my creative side - I love singing, letting my creative side out through acrylic painting, and tackling challenging word puzzles. Plus, I'm currently serving as the Assistant Chairperson of the South Wales Variety branch of Equity, where I get to blend my love for the arts with community involvement.

Life's an exciting journey, and I'm grateful for every opportunity to learn, grow, and share my passions with others.

Join me as part of the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme and let's make every moment count!

Hi there! I'm Christine Collins, and I've had the pleasure of being part of the Tydfil Training family for over 16 wonderful years. Throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of supporting both young people and adults from across the Merthyr Tydfil Borough on a variety of employability programmes, helping them take steps towards a brighter future.

One of my favourite parts of the job is getting out and about in the community, meeting wonderful people from all walks of life. Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing advice and guidance, or simply being there with a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I'm always here to lend a hand.

When I'm not busy at work, you'll often find me with loved ones, enjoying quality time with my family. I also have green fingers and enjoy spending time in my garden, nurturing plants and watching them flourish. And of course, I have a passion for cooking up delicious meals to share with family and friends.

Life is all about connections and making a positive impact wherever we go. I'm grateful for every opportunity to do just that, both in my professional and personal life so get in touch and let’s build your number knowledge with the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme!

Hi everyone, I'm Melinda Legge, part of the Community Engagement team at Tydfil Training. I have a wealth of experience and a passion for making a difference in the community.

My career journey to this point has been varied from working as a carer supporting adults with dementia to working with young people who face mental health barriers, I always bring a friendly, warm and welcoming face that can be relied upon to provide guidance on a range of topics – including improving numeracy skills!

Outside of work, I'm all about socialising and cherishing moments with my family. Whether it's catching up with friends over a cup of coffee or spending quality time with my loved ones, I believe in making the most of every moment.

For over 27 years, I've been dedicated to serving as a volunteer with St. John's Ambulance, where I've honed my skills in delivering Emergency First Aid. Starting as a cadet and working my way up to Divisional Officer, I've had the privilege of helping countless individuals during times of need.

The Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme offers another avenue to build a positive impact within our community, reach out to me and let’s discuss how we can develop your numeracy skills.

Hey everyone, I'm Karly-Anne Williams, and I'm part of the Community Engagement team at Tydfil Training who are delivering courses as part of the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme.

I'm incredibly passionate about working with young people, helping to improve their skills and knowledge to help them thrive within our community here in Merthyr Tydfil.

Throughout my journey, I've had the opportunity to work on various employability funded programmes, wearing different hats as a safeguarding lead, youth tutor, and learning coach. It's been so rewarding to be able to support young people as they navigate their paths to success.

Since joining the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil team within Tydfil Training, I've also had the chance to further my own development by achieving a Numeracy Champion qualification. Now, I'm equipped to support adults in developing positive attitudes and confidence when it comes to using numbers - a skill that opens so many doors in today's world.

When I'm not busy at work, you'll often find me spending quality time with my family. One of my favourite ways to unwind is by heading down to my caravan, where I can relax, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.

I’m here to support your learning every step of the way, get in touch with me and let the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme be the catalyst for your future.

Shwmae!  I'm Dawn McInnes, and I've been a part of the Tydfil Training Community Engagement team since 2023. Before this, I worked at the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council as a Housing Officer.

During my time in housing, I earned a CIH qualification in housing law, which has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to provide valuable advice and guidance within the industry. It's been incredibly fulfilling to help individuals navigate the complexities of housing and make informed decisions about their living situations and I’m now bringing my knowledge to support the community in a slightly different way.

In addition to my work, I'm also proud to serve as a trustee of Twyn Hub, a community organisation that is very close to my heart as I started there as a volunteer over 21 years ago.

I believe in the power of connections and love meeting new people and hearing their stories. And of course, I treasure my time spent socialising with friends and family, as well as keeping in touch with long-standing friends I've known for many years!

Life is all about making meaningful connections and giving back to the community, and I'm grateful for every opportunity to do just that here at Tydfil Training. Let's continue to make a positive impact together through the Multiply Merthyr Tydfil programme!

Hey there, I'm Paul Burton Dyer, and I'm passionate about all things education, especially when it comes to numbers! With over 35 years as an education practitioner under my belt, I've had the incredible opportunity to explore various fields and gain a number of qualifications along the way.

My educational journey has taken me on quite the adventure - I spent a good chunk of time attending university, on and off for about 10 years, where I accomplished a range of graduate and postgraduate qualifications in areas like Art and Design, Mathematics, and History. It's been a rewarding experience delving into different subjects and expanding my knowledge base.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of teaching at various levels, from schools to further education and even higher education. Currently, here at Tydfil Training I have the pleasure of delivering Essential Skills, particularly focusing on numeracy.

When I'm not at work, you'll often find me pursuing my other passion - hand engraving metal. There's something truly satisfying about creating intricate designs and patterns on metal surfaces—it's like art and craftsmanship rolled into one!

My goal is to convey my passion for numeracy to you to help you thrive, get in touch and discover a world full of numbers ready to explore!

Hi there, I'm Karen Jones, and part of the Citizen’s Advice Merthyr Tydfil team as a Debt Advisor!

While I may be relatively new to Citizen’s Advice Merthyr Tydfil, I bring with me a wealth of experience in debt advice, having worked for StepChange debt charity for a number of years.

Outside of work, I cherish moments with my family. I'm a proud mum to two wonderful adult sons and blessed with two adorable grandchildren who light up my world! When I'm not busy with work or family, you'll often find me out and about, enjoying gigs, especially local ones, and I was a founder member of the Merthyr Rising festival.

Helping people navigate their financial challenges and find solutions is truly fulfilling for me, and I'm eager to continue making a positive impact.

Hey, I'm Samantha Fletcher, and I'm a Debt Adviser here at Citizen’s Advice Merthyr Tydfil.

My role revolves around providing support and guidance to clients on everything from money advice to debt management and income maximisation. One of the best parts of my job is empowering people to take control of their financial journey by setting their own priorities - I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to shape their own future.

When I'm not offering debt advice, you'll often find me hitting the gym or soaking up quality time with my little boy. I’ve also taken up roller skating as a hobby and love learning something new!

 Come and speak to me about your money queries and I’ll be more than happy to help!