1 week Ago
A campaign for more Welsh language mental health support has been launched. This follows research indicating Welsh speakers struggle to converse in their language of choice when seeking help. The Mind Cymru initiative has attracted high-profile backing from celebrities and politicians.
Among those supporting the cause are Pobl y Cwm actor Rhys ap William, MS for South Wales West Sioned Williams, and MS for North Wales Llyr Gruffydd. The campaign follows a report from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW), Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), and Estyn, which found an "overall lack of" Welsh language mental health services in Wales. This issue was found to be particularly pressing for children and young people.
However, Mind Cymru currently offers a wide range of Welsh mental health resources on its website for both adults and children. The charity is urging the public to help raise awareness of the support it provides, particularly in light of experiences such as that of Elen Jones. Ms Jones, a first language Welsh speaker, developed symptoms of depression and anxiety at 16 and is sharing her story as part of Mind Cymru’s campaign to help others find support.
She said: "In the end I did manage to get some support, but it was with an English medium counsellor, as they were the only one available, but I didn’t really benefit from it. "I barely spoke English until I went to high school so I'm so much more confident speaking in Welsh, and when you're speaking in your own language you just feel more of a connection and able to express yourself better." The report by HIW, CIW, and Estyn highlighted the importance of personal language choice for children and young people as it helps to build a more trusting relationship with care providers and makes it easier for them to express their thoughts and feelings.
Actor Rhys ap William said: "The response to our storyline was overwhelming, and made me realise the reach we have into all parts of Wales, especially rural Wales, where the Welsh language is the mother tongue of many. "It is vital that people can make that crucial first step for help in Welsh and it is great that Mind Cymru can offer this." Mind Cymru provides a range of information and support in the Welsh language as part of its Cynnig Cymraeg offer, launched in partnership with the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office.
This includes mental health information in Welsh, running its campaigns bilingually, and promoting services in both English and Welsh. Julian John, associate director of Mind Cymru Operations, said: "We know how difficult taking that first step towards better mental health can be, and how hard it can be to make sense of your feelings. "The provision of information, advice and services through the medium of Welsh, is inconsistent across Wales.
"This is why we are reminding people there is access to Welsh language mental health services - to make sure as many people as possible in Wales are able to get the support they need, in the language they speak.".
