Guest article
Over the past six months, an ambitious project, Challenging Myths, has brought together organisations and communities across North Wales to challenge misconceptions about using Welsh in the workplace.
Commissioned by the Welsh Language Sub-Group of the North regional Public Services Board, the project gathered myths and assumptions that exist about working through the medium of Welsh, whether in public organisations or in the wider community. Following the collection of people’s experiences of using Welsh in the workplace, creative and accessible resources were created that show the real experiences of people who use Welsh in their daily work.
Often, people feel that their Welsh is not ‘good enough’ to work in a Welsh-speaking environment, to apply for a job that requires Welsh, or that there is no real value in using the language professionally. Through a series of workshops, interviews and focus groups, Challenging Myths provides a platform for local voices to share their experiences and challenge those findings.
The project has collected stories and viewpoints from workers to create digital and visual content that shows that working through Welsh is possible at every level of proficiency. The work will also draw attention to the support available for staff who are learning or developing their Welsh skills in the workplace.
Lowri Angharad Hughes, Chair of the Welsh Language Subgroup said:
“Many people are still uncertain about using Welsh at work. The aim of the Challenging Myths is to show that Welsh skills are welcome at every level and that using and building confidence in the language is a process. We want to celebrate people’s real experiences across the region.”
The project is part of a broader effort to strengthen the daily use of the Welsh in North Wales, building confidence among speaker and creating a supportive culture within workplaces and local communities.
More information, digital content and opportunities to get involved will be shared over the coming months through the project’s social media channels.
The launch of the resources will be held at the Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai stand at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Môn 2026 on Monday, 25th May at 11:00am, with a panel ready to share their experiences of working through the medium of Welsh within public organisations.
For more information, contact: BGC-PSB@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
Cyngor Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey County Council; Wrexham County Borough Council; Denbighshire County Council; Bangor University; Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai; North Wales Fire and Rescue Service; North Wales Police; Natural Resources Wales; Eryri National Parc; Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; ARFOR Programme.
Guest article – Welsh Language Sub-Group of the North regional Public Services Board
