:User:Swalesinterest/sandbox

Roberts grew up in Wrexham, North Wales. He studied theology at Cardiff University and later trained for ministry at Trinity College, Bristol. Whilst a student, he began writing about faith and contemporary issues, and in 2014, he received the Church Times Young Blogger of the Year award.{{cite web |last=Church Times |title=Interview: Dean Aaron Roberts, winner, Young Blogger of the Year Award |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/28-november/features/interviews/interview-dean-aaron-roberts-winner-young-blogger-of-the-year-award |website=churchtimes.co.uk |date=28 November 2014 |access-date=17 April 2025}}

He was ordained in the Church in Wales in 2016 and served in various roles in the Diocese of Monmouth, including as Vicar and Ministry Area Leader. His ministry included posts in Newport and Caerphilly as well as serving on the Church in Wales Governing Body.{{cite web |title=Ministry Areas |url=https://monmouth.churchinwales.org.uk/en/ministry-areas/ |website=Church in Wales Diocese of Monmouth |access-date=17 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=The Revd Dean Aaron Roberts |url=https://www.crockford.org.uk/people/48140/the-revd-dean-aaron-roberts |website=Crockford's Clerical Directory |access-date=17 April 2025}}

In 2019, Roberts founded The Parish Trust (originally named The Bedwas, Machen, Michaelston-y-Fedw & Rudry Parish Trust) to lead Christian based mission in the community.{{cite web |title=The Story of The Parish Trust |url=https://theparishtrust.org.uk/story/ |website=The Parish Trust |access-date=17 April 2025}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation launched the CARE Project, offering food parcels, prescription deliveries, and wellbeing support to residents across Caerphilly County Borough.{{cite web |title=CARE Project - Community Aid during COVID |url=https://theparishtrust.org.uk/care/ |website=The Parish Trust |access-date=17 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=First Minister thanks volunteers and launches new fund to help coronavirus recovery |url=https://www.gov.wales/first-minister-thanks-volunteers-and-launches-new-fund-help-coronavirus-recovery |website=GOV.WALES |date=14 August 2020 |access-date=17 April 2025}}

The charity became independent from the Church in Wales in 2021 and adopted its current name to reflect a broader community remit but honouring its Anglican heritage.{{cite web |title=The Parish Trust becomes an Independent Charity |url=https://theparishtrust.org.uk/2021/05/the-parish-trust-independent-charity/ |website=The Parish Trust |access-date=17 April 2025}}

In 2022, a disagreement arose between The Parish Trust and the Church in Wales over ownership of St Thomas' Church Centre in Trethomas. Although the charity had invested significantly in refurbishments and expressed interest in purchasing the building, the Church ultimately declined after a protracted period of negotiations. A redundancy notice for the church was issued and later withdrawn.{{cite web |title=Dispute arises over future use of Welsh church |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/20-october/news/uk/dispute-arises-over-future-use-of-welsh-church |website=Church Times |access-date=17 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=Christian charity facing eviction by Church in Wales |url=https://nation.cymru/news/christian-charity-facing-eviction-by-church-in-wales/ |website=Nation.Cymru |access-date=17 April 2025}}

The Parish Trust vacated the premises in December 2024.

Roberts was formally appointed CEO of The Parish Trust in 2023, following approval and ratification from the Charity Commission for England and Wales.{{cite web |title=Reverend Dean Roberts is the new CEO of The Parish Trust |url=https://caerphilly.observer/news/1019125/reverend-dean-roberts-is-the-new-ceo-of-the-parish-trust/ |website=Caerphilly Observer |access-date=17 April 2025}}

Under his leadership, the charity expanded its work to include children's services, youth programmes, bereavement support, music and arts initiatives, and apprenticeship schemes. Roberts received public thanks from the First Minister of Wales for his efforts during the pandemic.{{cite web |title=First Minister thanks food bank volunteers in Trethomas visit |url=https://caerphilly.observer/news/993919/first-minister-thanks-food-bank-volunteers-in-trethomas-visit/ |website=Caerphilly Observer |access-date=17 April 2025}}

Roberts has contributed to local media, including the Caerphilly Observer, and has appeared on BBC Radio Wales' All Things Considered. His written work has explored topics such as poverty, faith, and social justice.{{cite web |title=Food banks are a lifeline, but they must be a way out, not a way of life |url=https://caerphilly.observer/news/1046767/food-banks-are-a-lifeline-but-they-must-be-a-way-out-not-a-way-of-life/ |website=Caerphilly Observer |access-date=17 April 2025}}

In 2022, he contributed a chapter to the book God's Church for God's World: Evangelical Reflections on Faithful Mission and Ministry published by Inter-Varsity Press.{{cite web |title=God's Church for God's World – Table of Contents |url=https://ivpbooks.com/blog/god-s-church-for-god-s-world-table-of-contents.html |website=IVP Books |access-date=17 April 2025}}

Roberts also serves as a chaplain to Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

He is married and a keen musician, particularly interested in the piano and organ. Music has been a longstanding part of his spiritual life.

[https://theparishtrust.org.uk Official website of The Parish Trust]

[https://deanroberts.net Personal website]