Core Team

Lesley Bethell – Chair of Compassionate Cymru

I chair the steering group, and also represent patients and family carers on the End of Life Care Board. I have a background in qualitative health research, working in partnership with patients, service users and members of communities to co-produce outcomes which inform experience. I have reached an age where my own personal life has offered me the opportunity to experience many of the challenges that can arise around caring for those at the end of their lives. I am committed to the values of co-production, and compassionate communities and strive to make functioning and sustainable connections across disciplinary, policy, organisational and service boundaries.

John Moss – Strategic Co-ordinator for Compassionate Cymru

I’m delighted to have been appointed as the Macmillan Compassionate Cymru strategic programme manager. The ambition, reach, and scope of the programme is immense and hugely exciting,  working with a large number of partners and organisations, including the Welsh Government, Health Boards, and third sector organisations. Having suffered bereavements myself I know how important bereavement care is, so this is a real passion for me. I’ve been with Cruse Bereavement Care for almost ten years, initially as a volunteer supporting bereaved people, then an employee as area co-ordinator for Gwent. For the past few months I’ve also been on part time secondment to the Welsh Government as Bereavement Lead, working on a National Framework for Wales. I’m really looking forward to working together and making connections so that we can all deliver a Compassionate Cymru.

Cath Thompson – Community Connector for Compassionate Cymru

I am the Compassionate Community Connector for Port Talbot, working with the local community, statutory services and third sector organisations to develop community initiatives for people approaching the end of their lives. I was a nurse for over 35 years working in a variety of disciplines, mostly with third sector organisations. I care deeply about people thinking, planning and talking about death and being able to participate fully in life right up until death. I have been fortunate to meet many people who have taught me the true meaning of compassion and know that as a community we can do so much more to show love and care for others.

Kimberley Jones – Macmillan Development Officer Action in Caerau and Ely (ACE)

As the Macmillan Development Officer for ACE, my role is to explore how community development approaches, such as asset based community development and coproduction, can be used to support those experiencing death, dying and bereavement. Meeting and working with people living in the South West Cardiff communities with real, lived experience is central to my approach and I am committed to building meaningful relationships which can inspire, facilitate and enable compassionate conversations, acts and projects to happen. I believe our communities already possess the qualities needed to become compassionate communities and through this project, we are able to nurture and develop these from the ground up.