I would like to introduce myself to Glamorgan Star readers. I am Dr Gareth Thomas, elected in May as Member of the Senedd for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg for Reform UK.
For some time now, I have been a prominent voice on issues affecting disabled people, veterans, mental health services and community wellbeing in Wales.
I was raised in south Wales and have a background shaped by military service and public advocacy. I joined the British Army after leaving school, continuing a family tradition of service. Following a spinal cord injury, I was medically discharged and became a permanent wheelchair user. Rather than allowing this life-changing event to limit my ambitions, I went on to pursue higher education and build a career dedicated to supporting others.
I hold three degrees in psychology, including a doctorate, and have gained a range of therapeutic qualifications. Over the past two decades, I have worked extensively in mental health, advocacy and community support. My experience includes founding a non-profit organisation to help people in crisis, working alongside charities supporting disabled people and military veterans, and running a private mental health practice.
My election to the Welsh Parliament marked a significant milestone, as I became the first wheelchair user elected as a Member of the Senedd. Throughout my public life, I have spoken about the importance of accessibility, inclusion and ensuring opportunities are available to all, regardless of disability.
My key priorities as an MS include cutting healthcare waiting times, strengthening mental health provision, improving disabled access, tackling homelessness, addressing cost-of-living pressures and supporting serving personnel and veterans. I believe that I can bring a combination of professional expertise, lived experience and community engagement to my role, advocating for practical solutions to the challenges facing people across Wales.
I plan to serve both as a constituency representative and as a contributor to national debates in the Senedd, drawing on my unique personal journey and professional background to inform my work on behalf of constituents and communities throughout Wales.
Dr Gareth Thomas, MS
The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors.
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