“Hapus i Siarad” scheme is on Saturday 15 November.
The National Centre for Learning Welsh and the Mentrau Iaith are launching the second round of their “Hapus i Siarad” scheme for 2025–26.
The scheme offers Welsh learners the opportunity to use the language naturally in their communities, in small businesses that are Hapus i Siarad (Happy to Chat).
The idea was inspired by a similar scheme run successfully in Catalonia by the ‘Voluntariat per la Llengua’.
On 15 November 2025, learners will be taken on a guided tour visiting businesses that are part of the scheme during a “Hapus i Siarad Morning” in 9 towns across Wales, marking the launch of the scheme this year.
“Hapus i Siarad” is an ongoing scheme, first piloted in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Flintshire and Wrexham, and Ceredigion, and launched nationally for the first time last year.
Helen Prosser, Director of Teaching and Learning at the National Centre for Learning Welsh says, “At the Centre we are delighted to work with Mentrau Iaith Cymru to provide an opportunity for learners to practise their Welsh Language skills in their communities.
“Promoting the use of the Welsh Language is an important aspect of our work at the Centre.”
This year, the Mentrau Iaith will continue their work with the businesses and expand the scheme to new towns and areas.
The aim of the “Hapus i Siarad Morning” on 15 November is to introduce more learners to the scheme as an opportunity to practise their Cymraeg.
Daniela Schlick, Business and Project Manager for Mentrau Iaith Cymru, said: “Businesses are an important part of our communities and everyday lives, and they’re more than just places to buy things.
“They’re places where people meet, chat, and become part of the community – ideal settings to practise speaking Cymraeg.”
Businesses that take part in the scheme, receive a “Hapus i Siarad” poster they can display in their shop windows or near the till to show they’re happy to welcome learners for a chat in Welsh.
These are the businesses in Denbighshire that are part of the scheme.
Learners are given a kind of loyalty card from their tutors and local Menter Iaith to collect a stamp or signature from three businesses where they’ve had a conversation in Welsh.
These cards will be entered into a competition to win a residential weekend at one of the Welsh language centers in Wales.
From all the submitted cards, the winner will be drawn at an event on 3 August during the National Eisteddfod in Carreg Las.
Learners can send in their cards until 17 July 2026 – either by email to post@mentrauiaith.cymru or hand them in to their tutors.
Sue Vanstone from the Dwyfor area is last year’s lucky winner. She recently spent a weekend learning Welsh at Nant Gwrtheyrn.
“Thanks to ‘Hapus i Siarad’ for the wonderful experience of going to Nant Gwrtheyrn.
“It’s a fantastic place to practise Welsh, and I also had the chance to try art, yoga, and folk dancing in Welsh.”
The “Hapus i Siarad Morning” on 15 November will take place in the following 9 towns: Porthmadog, Denbigh, Lampeter, Newport (Pembs), Pontardawe, Porthcawl, Cowbridge, Pontcanna, and Abergavenny.
The full list of buisnessess which offer the scheme is on Mentrau Iaith Cymru’s website. Click here.
