Two trustees join Tŷ Hafan’s board

Tŷ Hafan is delighted to announce the appointment of two trustees who have recently joined Tŷ Hafan’s board.

Mick McGuire, a former director of economic growth and development for Welsh Government, and Dr Helen Matthews, a former consultant psychiatrist at Hywel Dda University Health Board, are the newest members of Tŷ Hafan’s 10-strong board.

Martin Davies, chairman of the board said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mick McGuire and Dr Helen Matthews as trustees.

“They join Tŷ Hafan at a time when the Charity is facing both unprecedented demand for its services, and one of the most challenging financial and operational periods in its history.

“Both Mick and Helen bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts in their respective fields of economic development, financial services and psychiatry, and they augment and complement the expertise on the board.

“I thank them for making this commitment to Tŷ Hafan and I am very much looking forward to working with them.”

Mick McGuire

A former chief executive of Peter Alan Estate Agents and Principality Property Services, Mick McGuire joins the Tŷ Hafan board having retired from Welsh Government where he was director for economic growth and development.

“During my career I became aware of the outstanding support that Tŷ Hafan provides to children and families and I have always been keen to help,” he said.

Mick, whose 30-year career in financial services also included a number of roles for the Principality Building Society at general manager and director level, is originally from Belfast and he has lived in Wales for the past 35 years.

  Dr Helen Matthews 

Born and raised in Wales, Helen Matthews qualified as a doctor in Cardiff before specialising as a psychiatrist in London.

From 1998 until her retirement in 2019, Helen was a consultant psychiatrist at Hywel Dda University Health Board and her professional leadership culminated in her election as vice president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

As an expert in complex mental illness, autism and learning disabilities, Helen, who lives in the Towy Valley, has held many advisory roles to Welsh Government and was an honorary senior lecturer within Swansea Medical School.

She has also focused on the development of award-winning community-based services, including in her native Welsh language.

“I am particularly interested in supporting Tŷ Hafan from the perspectives of emotional wellbeing, mental health and disability,” she said.

Additionally, Helen has recognised expertise in the medico legal aspects of capacity and consent including being appointed as a special medical visitor by the Office of the Public Guardian/Court of Protection.

Now in its 22nd year of operation work continues on the £1m refurbishment of Tŷ Hafan’s hospice in Sully, with completion anticipated this summer.