Learn Welsh for the Health and Care sector – a partnership to support 'More Than Just Words'

The National Centre for Learning Welsh is leading a significant training programme for Health and Care sector workers across Wales, in support of 'More than just Words' – the Welsh Government's framework to promote the use of Welsh in health, social services and community care.

As part of the programme, a Learn Welsh tutor is now based within every Health Board in Wales, offering flexible training at all levels, including confidence-building sessions. Residential courses are also available, providing immersive experiences for those wanting to strengthen their language skills in a short period of time.

The Centre is also developing tailored learning plans for certain specialties, including Neurodivergence and Dementia Care.  A learning plan for Palliative and End of Life Care has already been developed, which includes a partnership with the charity Macmillan to further expand the opportunities to learn and use the Welsh language.

Other developments include a new self-study course to support Health and Care workers from overseas, helping them learn about Wales and the Welsh language.

Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said: “I welcome these new resources, developed by the National Centre for Learning Welsh for health and social care staff. They will make a real difference in helping the workforce learn Welsh and introduce useful words and phrases that can be used in everyday conversations at work.”

Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh says: "The Centre is proud to lead a national training programme to support Health and Care workers across Wales to use more Welsh. The programme supports health and care providers to deliver the ‘Active Offer’ at the heart of the More than Words framework, to offer Welsh language services without patients or users having to request them.

"We know that being able to provide services through the medium of Welsh makes a real difference to patients and their families, at times when they are at their most vulnerable. We look forward to continuing to support the workforce in developing their language skills."