Happy Shwmae Su'mae Day 2026! Diwrnod Shwmae Su'mae Hapus 2026!

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is celebrating Shwmae Su’mae Day with the launch of its new Welsh Language Champions Network, helping to support the use of Welsh across healthcare services and improve experiences for patients, families and communities.

The network brings together colleagues from a wide range of roles and services who are passionate about promoting and supporting the Welsh language in the workplace.

Being able to communicate in a patient's preferred language can make a significant difference to their experience of healthcare. The Welsh Language Champions Network aims to create more opportunities for Welsh to be seen, heard and used across CTM services, helping people feel comfortable, understood and supported when accessing care.

More than 20 Welsh Language Champions have already joined the network. Champions will help promote bilingual environments, support Welsh language initiatives and activities, encourage colleagues to develop their language skills, and champion opportunities for patients to use Welsh if they choose to do so.

Reflecting on why she joined the network, Welsh Language Champion Zoe Allen-Thiedeman, Occupational Therapy Technician, said:

"I'm proud to be a Welsh Language Champion because it gives me the opportunity to practise my Welsh and speak with people who are in a similar situation to me. I attended Welsh-medium education between the ages of four and 16, but I lost some confidence speaking with people who have used the language throughout their lives. It's also an opportunity to support people who are new to learning Welsh, as well as being able to speak with patients who use Welsh every day."

Amber Lawes, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and Welsh Language Champion, added:

"It has been wonderful to be asked to become a Welsh Language Champion. It gives me a safe and friendly space to practise my Welsh, meet other people who are enthusiastic about the language, and build confidence in using it. I particularly enjoy being able to celebrate my Welsh identity and use the language more regularly."

The launch coincides with Shwmae Su'mae Day, an annual celebration which encourages people across Wales to start conversations and use Welsh in their everyday lives.

The Welsh Language Champions Network is part of CTM's ongoing commitment to promoting Welsh language services and ensuring patients can access care in the language of their choice wherever possible.

CTM would like to thank all of its Welsh Language Champions for their enthusiasm and commitment to helping Cymraeg thrive across the Health Board and within the communities it serves.

15/10/2026