Introducing Jade Smith in Trowbridge, Cardiff

Jade has a BA(Hons) in Business and Accounting from the University of Glamorgan in Treforest. Jade grew up in Suffolk, though after visiting her chosen University, she knew this was where she wanted to be and moved to South Wales shortly before starting University in 2011.

Jade was diagnosed with Dyspraxia as a young child and knows how difficulties with access to diagnosis and support affect people with learning needs. Early diagnosis and support is vital to a child's development, and the subject is close to Jade's heart. Due to her own experiences, Jade developed a passion for supporting those with Specific Learning Needs, Learning Disabilities and Mental ill health. Since Primary School Jade has supported her peers with various Learning needs/Disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Autism, and has consistently received excellent feedback regarding her ability to be understanding and ensure that support is tailored to the individual's needs.

Jade is no stranger to the government austerity cuts which are hitting the most vulnerable in our society. During the current government, Jade has continuously had to fight to keep and get back her disability benefits, and has recently had her ESA cut.

Jade is very interested in the work of Cardiff Council, especially in securing more investment in the area and international relations such as the twinning with Xiamen which has brought many cultural and economic benefits to the City. Growing up, Jade was always very proud to be part Chinese and has always felt a close connection with her father. Jade has been proactive in learning more about Chinese culture, having grown up in an area without a large Chinese community. She is keen to help promote a better understanding of the Chinese culture locally in Cardiff, including working with the Confucius Institute at Cardiff University.

Jade believes that Councillors are there to serve the public and will work to ensure that no one is left behind in society.