Who We Are
ACE is about people working together to build community and to improve their own, and each other’s, lives. We rely on the skills, knowledge and good will of our trustees (elected from amongst our members), our volunteers and our staff (many of whom live locally). You can learn more about them here!
Our Trustees
The ACE Board of Trustees have overall control of the charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. The board meet monthly to discuss the development, delivery and finances of the organisation. With a mix of skills, expertise and experience the board provide a firm structure to enable ACE to succeed in its charitable purpose.
Marian Dixey
Chair
Marian lives in Fairwater, and retired a few years ago after working in the NHS for 36 years. She started volunteering for a Good Neighbours scheme, then was involved in Communities First, and chaired her local PACT.
She is now an active volunteer for ACE, and is committed to supporting a multi-agency response to local issues.
Mel Witherden
Mel is a retired community development consultant with 40 years’ experience in the voluntary sector. He has worked as an advisor and volunteer with ACE since 2012. His work in Wales has included establishing development trusts and supporting Communities First projects. He is the author of books on developing social enterprises and running charities.
Oonagh Scott
Oonagh grew up in Ely. She is a local business Owner.
Eva Elliott
Eva is an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University School of Social Sciences. Eva’s relevant research and evaluation experience focuses on inequalities that influence health, social and economic factors that impact communities, and how to improve health and wellbeing to influence wider systemic social change.
James Roach
(Vice Chair)
Leyton Devril Smith
Leyton has lived and worked in this area all his life, nearly 60 years, and is now semi-retired. He is a keen and active volunteer for the community on issues including health and well-being, and is an ambassador for the Welsh Blood Service.
Chris Lannen
Janice Refalo
Our Staff Team
Michelle Powell
ACE Director
Becky Matyus
Community Plan Coordinator
Beth Leek
Volunteer Development Officer
Clare Westcott
Wellbeing Connector
Dale Ovenstone
Estates Officer
Danielle Afferion
Young People Wellbeing connector
Dave Horton
ACE Learning and Training Director
Fiona McCormick
Training Development Officer
George Keane
Communications and Web Content Officer / Dusty Shed Officer
Hannah Bees
Community Health Development Worker
Hasan Roap
ACE Finance Officer
Hazel Cryer
Operational and Development Manager
Hywel Squires
Community Engagement Officer
Jamie Hallett
Wellbeing Connector
Julie Evans
ACE Senior HR Administrator
Lois Atkinson
Caer Centre Development Officer
Lynette Hartman
Wellbeing Connector
Mags Lyons
Senior Wellbeing Officer / Project Coordinator Yourspace
Maria Ross
Assistant Administrator
Nerys Sheehan
Project Coordinator Community Support / Grand Avenues Coordinator
Nicola Parsons
Community Arts Coordinator
Rachel Hart
Community Health Development Worker
Robert Jones
Yourspace Monitoring and Admin Assistant
Ruth Mumford
Benthyg Development Officer
Sabrina Driscoll
Wellbeing Connector
Sam Froud-Powell
Operational and Development Manager
Sarah Griffiths
Together for Trowbridge and St. Mellons Development Officer
Sharon McGrath
ACE Receptionist
Sophia Farrugia
Wellbeing Connector
Stacie Leek
Hafan Project Development Officer
Steve Lyons
Diana Garden Development Worker
Susan Beese
Wellbeing Connector
Taela-Mae Davies
Yourspace Project Coordinator
ACE Vacancies
Volunteers
ACE offers a range of volunteering opportunities far from the normal volunteering placement. We work with the volunteers to co-produce a role together. This way of working is an integral way of ACE working, for both the volunteer and organisation. ACE is built on working on people’s strengths and offers the chance to develop and empower people to reach their full potential.
Activities such as:
- Setting up or supporting a community group
- Attending community courses,
- Working together to spread the word of ace,
- Building a community garden together,
- Supporting and growing the community together,
- Having pride in your area with clean ups
And much, much more – earning Time Credits along the way!
Please read our ACE Volunteering page, for more information on volunteering, or view our Volunteer Opportunities, to see what is available.
Partners
We have a wide range of partnerships and collaborations to help us deliver a range of activities supporting the social wellbeing and the economy of our communities.
Please view our Partners page to see who we work with.
Becoming an ACE Member
The benefits: When you join ACE you automatically become a member of Timeplace too, which means you can earn time credits for your efforts in the community. Members who are over 18 can vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and can put themselves forward for election to the board of trustees. Every registered member receives an invitation to the AGM with information on making nominations to the board.
All members are asked to make the following pledge:
I will…
Act with others to help make Ely and Caerau an ace place to live.
Care for the streets and parks and places we share as a community.
Encourage my family, friends and neighbours to do the same.
How to be an ACE Member
To become a member of ACE, please fill in the ACE Membership Form and send to info@aceplace.org or bring to the ACE reception at:
Our Place : Dusty Forge,
460 Cowbridge Rd W, Cardiff CF5 5BZ.
ACE Code of Conduct
ACE members are expected to abide by a simple Code of Conduct which you can view here
