More than just words
1 March 2023
To someone receiving care, it’s more than just words. Whether you speak a lot of Welsh or tipyn bach, using any Cymraeg will help create deeper connections as a care worker.
Welsh Government wants to strengthen Welsh language services within health, social services and social care. For many Welsh speakers, being able to use their own language is likely to be fundamental to their care.
The benefits of using Welsh at work include:
- removing the risk of isolating individuals
- avoid potential complaints about poor or deficient Welsh language services made to the Welsh Language Commissioner
- achieve equality standards
- assess individual needs by communicating with users of service in their preferred language
- promote the reputation of your organisation by providing a bilingual service.
Provide an ‘Active offer’?
The ‘Active Offer’ means to provide a service in Welsh without having to ask for it. To not actively offer Welsh language services may result in people’s dignity and respect being compromised.
Say shw’mae or su’mae to a career in care and help transform lives.
Visit our jobs portal to find jobs in your local area.
Training resources to help you
Welsh Language learning resources
Work Welsh provides a free online course for beginners that’s tailored to those working in care.
Sgiliaith (Grwp Llandrillo Menai) offer practical advice on good practice, staff training and resource, to enhance learners’ bilingual skills and experiences.
Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol give scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students to study higher education courses through the medium of Welsh.
Iaith Gwaith (working Welsh) scheme and the orange speech bubble badge is used to show if a person can speak Welsh.
Apps for learning
Here are some engaging Welsh language Apps for learning, available on both IOS and Android.
- Beginners Welsh – created by Aberystwyth University
- Learn Cymraeg – Mynediad 1 (Entry 1)
- LearnCymraeg – Mynediad – Gogledd Cymru (Entry North Wales)
- Caring in Welsh App.
Mentrau Iaith (Welsh Initiatives)
Mentrau Iaith Cymru (MIC) is the national organisation which supports the work of 22 local Mentrau Iaith across Wales.
Their role is to raise awareness of the Welsh language and culture, by encouraging people to develop their knowledge and use of the language and be able to practice their language skills in a friendly and social environment in the community.
Training
National Centre for Learning Welsh was established to deliver Welsh language training with a wealth of training available from online, short courses, apps and much more.
- 1000 Digital resources (5 levels)
- Learn Welsh in just 5 minutes a day for free with Duolingo
- Say something in Welsh
- YouTube videos
- Work Welsh is a funded, flexible programme designed to strengthen Welsh language skills in the workplace
Virtual bulletin for Welsh language resources
A Welsh language virtual notice board on Padlet.com has resources for training, learners, activities, apps, music, jobs and much more to support you to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.
Educational resources
OpenLearn Wales: The home of bilingual, free learning in Wales – can be used by those who wish to know more about Welsh society and culture and brings together a collection of free educational resources relevant to Wales.
We all have a part to play in delivering Welsh language services, both Welsh speakers and non-Welsh speakers.