Businesses And Charities Celebrate The Welsh Language On ‘Diwrnod Y Cynnig Cymraeg’ (Welsh Offer Day) 

On 1 June, the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office will hold a special day to celebrate the businesses and charities that take pride in the Welsh language by offering Welsh language services. 

Renowned High Street names such as Boots and Principality are among the large businesses who have received recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner, along with charities such as Mind Cymru, NSPCC and Macmillan Cymru. On 1 June, there will be an opportunity to celebrate the day for the first time at the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbighshire. 

The Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh offer) scheme was developed by the Welsh Language Commissioner to ensure that Welsh speakers know what Welsh language services are available to them. The Cynnig Cymraeg is the official recognition given by the Commissioner to organisations that they have collaborated with to plan ambitious Welsh language provision. 

Since launching the scheme in June 2020, the Cynnig Cymraeg of 55 businesses and charities has been recognised, and the Commissioner’s office is working with over a hundred other organisations to develop their schemes. 

According to Boots Manager in Wales, Andy Francis: ‘Working with the Commissioner’s team to create our Cynnig Cymraeg was a very positive process. We see the Welsh language as a very useful skill for the people who work in Boots; and our practice is to advertise vacancies bilingually. We are delighted that many of our pharmacists can speak Welsh and can advise customers in their language of choice.’  

One charity that will be part of the celebrations on the day is Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs, which is the umbrella body for Out of School Childcare Clubs in Wales. Jane O’Toole, the charity’s Chief Executive, said: ‘We are delighted that the Commissioner’s office recognises our Cynnig Cymraeg. Our pledge means increasing the opportunities for parents to choose Welsh-medium childcare and that there are more opportunities for children to play through the medium of Welsh – which is crucial for realising the vision of a million Welsh speakers.’ 

The Diocese of Bangor, that extends from Anglesey to Powys, is another charity that has received recognition for its Cynnig Cymraeg. The Most Reverend Andrew John, Archbishop of Wales, Bishop of Bangor, said: ‘The use of the Welsh language is an integral and natural part of our daily lives. The scheme has helped us to ensure that everyone can communicate with us and worship with us in the language of their choice, and this is extremely important to us.  

‘I would urge any organisation to apply for the Cynnig Cymraeg – the process has been easy with lots of support readily available from the Commissioner’s office.’ 

Awel Trefor, Senior Hybu [Promotion] Officer at the Commissioner’s office, said: ‘Hosting the Cynnig Cymraeg day gives organisations the opportunity to raise awareness of their Welsh language services. The aim is to see an increase in awareness leading to an increase in the use of Welsh language services. We are looking forward to welcome organisations that have completed their Cynnig Cymraeg to our stall at the Urdd Eisteddfod.’ More information on the Cynnig Cymraeg is available here.