Welsh Language Support
Available to Independent Primary Care Contractors
1. Welsh Language Training
The Health Board offers a variety of courses, to encourage and support the use of Welsh in the workplace.
Online Taster Course (Self-study)
10-hour self-study online course.
You can learn at your own pace and at any time with 5 different Welsh language online taster courses available.
Each course includes 10 units (approx. 10 hours of learning), and are split into Part 1 (5 units, approx. 5 hours) and Part 2 (5 units, approx. 5 hours).
You can return and pick up where you left off at anytime or revisit any of the units if you want to refresh your learning.
Online Courses (Self-study)
60-hour self-study online course.
These online self study courses support you to learn at your own pace and time. These are available in the following levels:
- Entry Part 1
- Entry Part 2
- Foundation Part 1
- Foundation Part 2
How to answer the phone bilingually
BCU's Welsh Language tutor is able to meet with you or your reception team to personalise the ‘Answer the Phone’ vocabulary sheet and to practice the pronunciation.
For more information or to discuss options please contact the team - BCU.TiwtorYGymraeg@wales.nhs.uk
2. Translation Services
Make Welsh versions of all forms and documents issued by the Health Board accessible to the public. If you need support in sourcing Welsh language versions, contact the team by emailing BCU.WelshLanguageServices@wales.nhs.uk.
Contractors can use the Health Board's Translation Services for any new signs or notices displayed within the practice.
3. Welsh Language Awareness
The Health Board offers Welsh Language Awareness sessions to help staff understand the importance of providing bilingual services and supporting patients, service users and colleagues to use Welsh. We can also come and speak directly to teams about the Welsh language and its role in improving experiences and outcomes. To book a session, please email BCU.WelshLanguageServices@wales.nhs.uk
4. Welsh Language Resources
There are a variety of resources available to help identify and support Welsh-speaking staff across the Health Board, including:
- Lanyards to indicate whether you are a Welsh speaker or a Welsh learner.
- Pin badges displaying ‘Cymraeg’ (Welsh speaker) or ‘Dwi’n Dysgu Cymraeg’ (I’m learning Welsh).
- Orange ‘Cymraeg’ magnets for display in offices, clinics or consultation rooms to highlight the presence of Welsh speakers.
- ‘Use Your Welsh’ bilingual flash cards featuring everyday phrases such as ‘Good morning’ and ‘Good afternoon’.
- ‘Use Your Welsh in the Pharmacy’ cards to support communication with patients, including common medication instructions.
- Basic phrases keyrings covering greetings, parts of the body and telling the time, each with a QR code linking to pronunciation guidance.
These resources help create a more welcoming bilingual environment and encourage the active use of Welsh in the workplace and when providing services.
