November 28, 2025 - 181 views
Health and Social Care workers across Wales are increasing their confidence to use the Welsh language with patients and colleagues, thanks to a Welsh Government programme to strengthen language choice within the health service.
Between 2023 and 2025, around 1,500 staff enrolled on the cyrsiau Codi Hyder (Confidence-building courses), with around 6,000 workers taking part in the wider Learn Welsh programme for the Health and Social care sector.
The Confidence-building courses are led by the National Centre for Learning Welsh, which is funded by the Welsh Government, in partnership with health boards, supporting staff who can speak some Welsh but feel unsure about using the language in a clinical context.
Those who follow the course receive one-to-one or small group training over 10 to 12 weeks, and then receive ongoing support to help them use the Welsh language naturally in their day to day work.
The National Centre’s evaluation shows that the Confidence-building courses in 2024 to 2025 had a positive impact, with over 90% saying they had more confidence to speak Welsh with colleagues, and 88% feeling more confident to use Welsh with patients and their families.
Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, said: "Julie's experience shows how practical support can make a real difference. Being able to speak to patients and families in the language they feel most comfortable using is an important part of delivering good care, especially when people are vulnerable.
As we mark the Defnyddia dy Gymraeg (Use your Welsh) campaign and celebrate 20 years of the Iaith Gwaith (Working Welsh) badge this week, it's encouraging to see so many people taking part in the courses and seeing their confidence levels rise."
Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, Dona Lewis, added: "The National Centre is pleased to lead a comprehensive Learn Welsh programme which is attracting different audiences to the Welsh language, and supporting Health and Social Care workers in Wales to use more of the language.
"Interest in our courses is high, and we look forward to continuing to expand our services in order to support the workforce to strengthen its bilingual skills."
