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7th October 2014

Give it a go: Providers encouraged to take part in 'shwmae' day on October 15

Care providers are being encouraged to say 'shwmae' (or 'sumae' in North Wales) on October 15 to encourage the active use of Welsh in care homes. 

'Diwrnod Shwmae / Su’mae' is being promoted by the Welsh Government's Health and Social Services Welsh Language Policy Unit as part of its bid to encourage the 'active offer' of Welsh to those who receive social and health care. Health boards and social services providers are being encouraged to suppport the day.

Care Forum Wales' policy adviser Melanie Minty said: "The idea behind this day is to encourage members of staff in care settings to start with something as simple as saying shwmae (or sumae) as this can have a real impact on people using care services whose first language is Welsh."

Posters are available to download and print out to encourage care providers to support the day - see links below.  

What does the 'active offer' of Welsh mean in care settings?

  • This means moving the responsibility from the user to ask for the service [in Welsh] to the service provider offering the service.
  • Service users are welcome to use the Welsh language as part of their care… this may not be possible at all times but it is important that they receive the offer when it is possible.

Download a poster to encourage active use of Welsh on October 15

Shwmae / sumae day A4 poster: PDF to print out

Shwmae / sumae day A3 poster: PDF to print out

If you'd like more information about the posters please contact Dylan Williams at the Welsh Government.

Dylan’s contact details are 02920 825583 / 

dylan.williams@wales.gsi.gov.uk


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