Painting

Describe what you do.

WAHWN (Wales Arts Health & Wellbeing Network) is the national sector support body for arts, health and wellbeing in Wales. Our rapidly expanding membership of over 1000 arts and health professionals, represents the arts, health and HE sectors working across the full range of art form practice in health, arts and other community settings.

What Welsh language services do you offer?

As a small but mighty charity, we’re always working to strengthen our Cynnig Cymraeg. There’s more to do, but we’re proud that our website, monthly newsletter, social media, and event listings are all bilingual—and if you email us in Welsh, you’ll get a Welsh reply. We also aim to run at least two Welsh-language events for members this year and aim to build on this year on year.

Why is using the Welsh language important to you?

As a proud Welsh organisation, we work with arts bodies, creative practitioners, and partners across health and the third sector – in both Welsh and English. Our vision is to harness the power of arts and creativity to transform health, wellbeing, and resilience across Wales.

To truly fulfil that vision, we’re committed to embedding the Welsh language throughout our organisation. With our health partners working under the Welsh Language Measure and committed to person-centred care, we’re in a unique position to lead by example – shifting the focus from what we should do to what we can do, and hopefully inspiring change.

Describe the process of creating a Welsh Language Development Plan, from the decision to prepare a plan to receiving recognition from the Commissioner.

Creating a plan was surprisingly easy. Any nerves vanished the moment we spoke to Guto from the Commissioner's team—he was incredibly supportive and encouraging. We quickly saw that we were already doing more than we thought and had the potential to make meaningful changes for our Welsh-speaking members, now and in the future. There's still work ahead, but with a clear plan and great support, it all feels doable – and exciting.

Why is it important that you have received Cynnig Cymraeg?

As a national body in Wales, it is important that we grow our bilingual services. Receiving the Cynnig Cymraeg has given us the confidence and encouragement to grow our offer and we are proud to display the Cynnig Cymraeg logo.

What are the benefits of receiving the Cynnig Cymraeg?

As a national charity, it was important for us to show our commitment to Welsh-language services. Gaining the Cynnig Cymraeg is recognition from the Commissioner that we're on the right path—with a strong plan to grow and sustain our Welsh language offer.

What are the benefits of offering a Welsh language service to your service users?

There are so many benefits of offering Welsh language services to our members. It ensures our Welsh speaking members – both present and future – can engage fully, confidently and comfortably with us and our services, removing barriers and promoting equality.

Language is also deeply tied to cultural identity, so by offering our services in Welsh, we’re showing respect for our communities' culture and values, building greater trust and connection with our members and the sector.

As a national network, by using Welsh we’re also encouraging and empowering others across the sector to do the same – creating a ripple effect of best practice.

Many of our partners, especially in health and public services, have responsibilities under the Welsh Language Measure. Aligning with these helps strengthen our partnerships and shared goals.
And, finally, as the use of Welsh grows, especially among younger generations, embedding it now means we’re better placed to support future members and communities.

Has the Cynnig Cymraeg made a difference to your work?

The Cynnig Cymraeg has given us a clear plan and motivation to embed the Welsh language meaningfully across everything we do – not just because it’s something we think we should do but because it’s a way to be more inclusive and accessible of the communities we serve.

Having official recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner also strengthens our credibility. It reassures our members and funders that we’re serious about our commitment to Welsh, and that we have a structured, sustainable plan in place.

And, as importantly, it shifts our mindset from simply meeting expectations to leading change. The Cynnig Cymraeg helps us inspire others across the sector to see Welsh as an opportunity rather than a barrier.

Would you encourage others to work towards the Cynnig Cymraeg, and why?

Absolutely. The Cynnig Cymraeg gives you a clear, tailored plan to develop your Welsh language services, and if you're working in partnership with others then it’s one of the strongest ways to show your genuine commitment to the language in a credible, practical way.

Do you have any advice for any organisations that are considering working towards the Cynnig Cymraeg?

Don’t delay. Just get in touch with the team today. Make that first call or send that first email asking for help to get started. They’ll hold your hand through the entire process and give you a clear idea of next steps to get things up and running.

The whole process was quicker than we expected. Our board, staff and freelancers are proud to display the Cynnig Cymraeg logo.