Introduction

Voices from the Field: Rachel Simmonds Rachel Simmonds Strategic Manager, Conwy Youth Service Rachel Simmonds joined Conwy County Borough Council in 2007, following a range of previous roles within community settings. In 2007, Rachel joined Conwy as a Professional Youth Worker and since this time her roles within the organisation has developed continuously, and she is currently Strategic Manager of Conwy Youth Service and Outdoor Education. Rachel feels Youth Work is at the heart of the community, providing positive caring and welcoming spaces for young people to connect, share and learn. Rachel has always had a passion and interest in improving Young people’s mental health, including providing outdoor experiences and opportunities to push boundaries, overcome challenges and have fun. Rachel feels the above outlook has supported her within her personal and professional career, never being scared to try something new! Outside of work, Rachel is a keen walker and enjoys discovering new places. Rachel is married with two children and enjoys spending time with them exploring, learning and having fun. She is also a governor at a local primary school. Part of the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales’ Leading from the Middle: Middle Leaders in Wales conference 30 March 2023. ____________________ Lleisiau o'r Maes: Rachel Simmonds Rachel Simmonds Rheolwr Strategol, Gwasanaeth Ieuenctid Conwy Ymunodd Rachel Simmonds â Chyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy yn 2007, yn dilyn amrywiaeth o rolau blaenorol mewn lleoliadau cymunedol. Yn 2007, ymunodd Rachel â Chonwy fel Gweithiwr Ieuenctid Proffesiynol ac ers hynny mae ei rolau yn y sefydliad wedi datblygu'n barhaus, ac mae hi bellach yn Rheolwr Strategol Gwasanaeth Ieuenctid ac Addysg Awyr Agored Conwy. Mae Rachel yn teimlo bod Gwaith Ieuenctid wrth wraidd y gymuned, gan ddarparu mannau gofalu a chroesawgar cadarnhaol i bobl ifanc gysylltu, rhannu a dysgu. Mae Rachel bob amser wedi bod ag angerdd a diddordeb mewn gwella iechyd meddwl pobl ifanc, gan gynnwys darparu profiadau a chyfleoedd awyr agored i wthio ffiniau, goresgyn heriau a chael hwyl. Mae Rachel yn teimlo bod y rhagolygon uchod wedi ei chefnogi o fewn ei gyrfa bersonol a phroffesiynol, heb fod ofn rhoi cynnig ar rywbeth newydd! Y tu allan i'r gwaith, mae Rachel yn gerddwr brwd ac yn mwynhau darganfod llefydd newydd. Mae Rachel yn briod gyda dau o blant ac yn mwynhau treulio amser gyda nhw yn archwilio, dysgu a chael hwyl. Mae hi hefyd yn llywodraethwr mewn ysgol gynradd leol. Rhan o gynhadledd Arwain o’r Canol: Arweinwyr Canol Yng Nghymru yr Academi Genedlaethol ar gyfer Arweinyddiaeth Addysgol Cymru ar 30 Mawrth 2023.