As the Welsh Language Commissioner celebrates Welsh Offer Week (15-19 May 2023) we hear from Tir Dewi about how they offer a bilingual service to the agricultural community, thanks to National Lottery funding.

Established in 2015, Tir Dewi is a helpline for farmers and their families when they are facing difficult times. The organisation began by providing a local support service to farmers in West Wales. They received a £306,550 grant in 2020 to expand their service to Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy. The grant was also used to work with Young Farmers clubs to raise awareness of the issues and the support available, through early intervention and to try to normalise the culture of seeking help. The charity has helped hundreds of farmers and their families who were struggling to cope. Today, farmers throughout Wales can access Tir Dewi’s services through the medium of English and Welsh.

The “Welsh Offer” is the Commissioner’s official recognition for organisations that have worked with the Commissioner’s Office to plan Welsh language provision. They have shown that they take pride in the Welsh language and are ready to use it to support people.

Gareth Davies, CEO of Tir Dewi says: “Tir Dewi is very proud to have recognition of our Cynnig Cymraeg. Over 75% of what we do is in the Welsh language and it is important that Welsh speaking farmers are able to contact us to discuss their problems in their preferred language.  Having the Cynnig Cymraeg lets others know that they can approach us in Welsh with confidence and that they will be responded to in the language that they use.”

We at the National Lottery Community Fund are committed to providing a bilingual service to the public in Wales and we work closely with the Welsh Language Commissioner. The projects we give grants to in Wales are also expected to offer their services in Welsh and English. The recognition of the Welsh Offer is a great way to clearly show those who will benefit from your project that you offer a bilingual service. You can find out more about working with the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office to have your Welsh Offer recognised here: https://www.welshlanguagecommissioner.wales/businesses-and-charities/cynnig-cymraeg

To learn more about the Welsh Offer or for general advice about managing your project bilingually, contact the Commissioner’s Promotion Team at hybu@cyg-wlc.cymru

You are also welcome to contact the Fund’s Welsh Team with any queries regarding the Welsh language at welshlanguage.advice@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk