Do you enjoy working with children and young people? Want to practice your Welsh? Learn a new skill? Or why not share your passion for the Welsh language within your community? Well, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych is the place for you, as the charity that promotes the use of the Welsh language within the county has great opportunities for eager individuals at the start of national volunteer week (1 – 7 June).
Everyone’s experiences of ‘volunteering’ are different, and our community strength lies in our diversity. Individuals have so many skills, experiences and enthusiasm to share with charitable organisations, and Denbighshire’s Menter Iaith has been fortunate over the years to experience exactly those attributes over the past few years.
Gwenno Williams, 20 years old from Llannefydd is one talented girl who has shared her enthusiasm by volunteering with Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych during her holidays from studying at university.
As a Welsh language student at Bangor University, Gwenno has specific and useful skills which she is keen to share with children and adults who attend events organised by Menter Iaith or when the charity collaborates with community groups and organisations.
“I love being in the midst of the hustle and bustle that comes with children and young people, and volunteering with Menter Iaith offers me new skills and experiences, as I consider my own career, once I’ve finished studying at university. I have a strong desire to go into the education sector, so volunteering with Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych at various clubs, community events and Welsh language promotion sessions has been extremely valuable to me. I’m very grateful to Ruth and the team for the opportunity.”
Another young volunteer who has given time to the Menter is Matty Minshull from Henllan who joined the team for a few months before starting at Aberystwyth University in 2021. Matty came to Menter Iaith so as to practice his Cymraeg, which he had learnt as a second language at Denbigh High School. Matty said: “By volunteering with Menter Iaith, I had the opportunity to develop my language and communication skills and my confidence in speaking Welsh. I thoroughly enjoyed helping to promote events on the charity’s social media, and working with people in the community to promote the Welsh language. As a young person who was about to start in University this was a particularly valuable experience.”
Ruth Williams, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych’s Chief Officer says they want to thank people for the contribution they make to voluntary organisations during National Volunteers Week.
“We are fortunate here in Denbighshire that so many volunteers of all ages work together to ensure the prosperity and success of a number of organisations within our communities. From contributing to the local community newspaper to assisting with young farmers’ clubs or stewarding at a local eisteddfod, many Welsh activities cannot work without volunteers. So, we thank them for their dedication and support!
“For us, as a charity, volunteers play a key role in the work we do. We have a number of talented people who are passionate about the Welsh language, and who are keen to share their linguistic skills and their Welsh experiences with others.
“By donating their time or by donating financially towards the organisation, which is a registered charity, there is an opportunity for individuals to play an important role in the work of promoting and protecting the Welsh language within their communities. We are always looking for all kinds of people and young people to work with us, the door is open.
“From former nursery assistant or retired teachers or those who work part-time, we always have room to welcome more skillsets to work with children to encourage the Welsh language. If you’re an actor between jobs, we would welcome your skills to read stories to children during our story and song sessions.”
Another way in which the charity supports communities to improve and promote the use of the Welsh language is by offering advice and expertise to established committees and supporting them in advertising and promoting events.
“We are working closely with a community committee of volunteers in Rhuddlan at the moment to support them in their Welsh event offerings for the town and pass on to them some event promotion and marketing skills.
“We had a blast at Rhuddlan’s Food Festival recently and there have been some great nights locally with Welsh bands, Yr Hen Fegin and Y Moniars performing. A pro-active group of volunteers at Rhuddlan are proud to be able to offer a range of events with a Welsh feel.”
If you would like any further information about the Menter’s services or if you’re interested in volunteering within your community or supporting the work of the organisation, financially or by giving your time, then visit the website or contact Ruth Williams on 01745 812822 or ruth@misirddinbych.cymru.
There are currently opportunities for volunteers to assist Menter Iaith with the following roles:
- storytime sessions in Welsh for young children
- assist with guided walks and informal conversational Welsh sessions for adults who are learning Cymraeg
- helping at after-school or holiday time activities for children (e.g. Lego workshops)
- as a member of a local committee who wants to help organise Welsh language social activities in your community