Midwives promote the benefits of bilingualism with expectant parents across north Wales

Midwives across Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are promoting the benefits of bilingualism to prospective parents as part of a unique project.

The maternity service is working with ‘Cymraeg for Kids’, an initiative set up by the Welsh Government in partnership with Mudiad Meithrin, to support and encourage parents and prospective parents who wish to raise their children bilingually.

Established in April 2016, the project works alongside NHS Wales and other partners to provide advice and support on the benefits of raising a child bilingually.

Earlier this year representatives from ‘Cymraeg for Kids’ attended the Health Board’s Midwives Conference in Wrexham where they had the opportunity to discuss with maternity services staff, and especially midwives, in order to emphasis the value of transferring and introducing the Welsh language from the very start.

More recently the Health Board’s Welsh language Team, along with ‘Cymraeg for Kids’, held a stall at Ysbyty Gwynedd to allow them to meet with pregnant women and discuss the advantages of the Welsh language and introducing the language at the start of the child’s journey.

Sioned Roberts, translator for BCUHB Welsh language team, said: “Language transmission within the family is an integral part to the success of Welsh Governments’ Cymraeg 2050: Welsh language Strategy, and the Health Board has taken the opportunity to develop this collaborative work with Cymraeg for Kids.

“We are able to support Cymraeg for Kids and expectant parents by increasing the support for families in our hospitals who wish to raise their children bilingually.”

Fiona Giroud, director of midwifery & women’s services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, added: “As a service we are absolutely supportive of this initiative and proud to be working in partnership with the project leads across our community services and three maternity units in North Wales.”