How we will promote Cymraeg in Wrecsam…
To promote and facilitate the use of Cymraeg in the County Borough we have produced a Welsh Language strategy for the next few years.
The strategy covers years 2022 – 2027 and is based on work and what we have learned from previous strategies, as well as incorporating forward thinking ideas.
OUR VISION
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Or vision is to provide a favourable environment within Wrexham that promotes increased growth in the use of the Welsh language, increase understanding of the Welsh language and Welsh culture amongst non-Welsh speaking residents, and to give residents the opportunity to live their lives through the medium of Welsh if they so wish. As a result of these opportunities, we hope to see an Increase the number of Welsh speakers throughout the county borough up to 12.9%.
The Council works in partnership with a range of stakeholders locally to move forward its Welsh language agenda. This includes being a member of Fforwm Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam and working strategically with a range of other organisations and public bodies such as Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam, Coleg Cambria, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Ymddiriedolaeth Iechyd Betsi Cadwaladr Local Health Board to share examples of best practice, expertise and resources.
Strategic themes
Rather than Aims the strategy now outlines clear themes for supporting and growing the Welsh language in the County Borough. These themes are:
Increasing the number of Welsh speakers
- Workforce Planning
- Education and training
Increasing the use of Welsh
- Use of Welsh in social settings
- Cymraeg in business
- Digital Services
Creating favourable conditions for success
- Public Involvement
- Identity of Wrecsam
- Welsh language / bilingual events
The awareness of our language and culture has seen significant growth recently with the Cymru football team successes and Wrexham AFC co-owners Rob and Ryan sharing their knowledge and respect for our culture and language globally. Ryan Reynolds also recently announced that ‘Welsh Wednesday’ will appears on his streaming channel, with several hours of Welsh programming shown to audiences outside Wales. Growing audiences, awareness and opportunities to consume the Welsh language will play a part in creating favourable opportunities for success.
As an employer we will be encouraging all WCBC staff and elected members to reach level 1 in Welsh by 2027, as well as upskilling those on our workforce who already have Welsh language skills.
We aim to get more pupils become part of, and involved in the Urdd and its activities.
We want to further promote the use of informal Welsh such as through working with Focus Wales and the Saith Seren to promote Welsh Language Music-we also aim to make the use of the Welsh Language more visible across our digital platforms.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Welsh Language Champion at Wrexham County Borough Council said: Our Welsh language policy encompasses best practice and creative ideas to ensure that the use of Cymraeg in Wrexham is not only retained, but thrives.
