Following the death of the politician and former Welsh Language Commissioner, Aled Roberts, from cancer in 2022, the National Centre for Learning Welsh and Macmillan have received funding in his memory to create a package of Learn Welsh resources.
The package will include a short, self-study course, which introduces words and phrases relevant to palliative care and end-of-life care professionals, and a residential Learn Welsh course to build confidence to speak the language.
Llinos Roberts, Aled Roberts’ widow, explains, "Aled had started discussing the Welsh language with Macmillan in his role as Welsh Language Commissioner.
"We then had personal experience of the importance of the Welsh language – for both Aled and ourselves – when he became ill. We relaxed more when a nurse or doctor spoke Welsh, and a little stress was removed from a difficult situation.
"Therefore, being able to offer a Learn Welsh package that will enable more professionals to speak Welsh with patients at the end of their lives was a natural choice for us.
"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this fund. It includes generous donations following Aled's death, as well as money collected by the Welsh Language Commissioner's office and the Johns’ Boys choir. Thank you all."
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, added, "The Welsh language was deeply important to Aled, and he campaigned tirelessly for the language – both in his work and within his local community, which held a special place in his heart.
"This fund has enabled us to create a Learn Welsh package, specially tailored for palliative care and end of life care professionals, so that they can offer words of comfort to patients and their families at a difficult time.
"We will also be able to offer an annual residential course at Nant Gwrtheyrn for professionals wishing to gain confidence to speak Welsh - again, specially tailored for the palliative care and end of life care sector."
An award will also be given, in memory of Aled Roberts, to a volunteer within the Learn Welsh sector. It will be presented at an event held by the National Centre for Learning Welsh in Cardiff on 14 May 2024.
