Ask Kaye

Kaye Prothero, who works as a Physiotherapist at Swansea Bay University Health Board, recently attended Confidence Building (Codi Hyder) sessions to increase her confidence in speaking and using Welsh at work and socially.

The Confidence Building courses are part of the National Centre for Learning Welsh's provision for the Health and Social Care sector, helping to increase and develop the Welsh language skills of the workforce.

We asked Kaye about her experiences on the course...

Tell us a little about yourself...

I'm Kaye. I live in Pontlliw near Swansea. I grew up in Llanelli in a bilingual family and attended Welsh-medium schools, including Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Dewi Sant and Ysgol Gyfun y Strade.

After leaving school, I wasn't sure which career path to follow, so, after a very short period at Cardiff University, I went to work at the Royal Mail Customer Service Centre as a Bilingual Adviser. I spent six years with the company in different roles before leaving to study Physiotherapy at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

What’s your role and where do you work?

I work as a Physiotherapist at Swansea Bay University Health Board, supervising the Trauma and Orthopaedics clinical teams.

How have the Confidence Building sessions helped you at work?

I was happy holding informal conversations in Welsh with patients, families and colleagues but I had lost confidence in using my Welsh in a formal or clinical setting. I had also forgotten a lot of written Welsh and found writing e-mails or job descriptions a bit of a challenge. I was also unfamiliar with clinical terms, such as parts of the body, or how to explain exercises to patients.

Did any particular aspects of the sessions help you?

With the help of Seren, my tutor, we created a list of terms I often use with patients. We also read information leaflets and job descriptions in Welsh to practise reading formal language.

By doing this, I became more confident in using the language. I started sending emails and having conversations in Welsh with my colleagues. While doing this, other members of the team showed an interest in learning Welsh, so Seren organised a taster session for them too!

How have the Confidence Building sessions increased your confidence to use Welsh outside of work?

After training in England and socialising with friends and family mainly in English, I had spent several years speaking very little Welsh. When my son was born, I started to speak more Welsh with him, and I was keen for him to receive a bilingual education. Now, he attends a Welsh-medium school, and the courses have helped me to support him with his homework and communicate confidently with his teachers without turning to English.

What would you say to someone who is considering attending Confidence Building sessions?

It's never too late! The sessions are completely informal and are an opportunity for you to practise your language skills in a friendly and welcoming environment.