More Welsh being used in Flintshire social services

Flintshire County Council is stepping up efforts to increase and support the use of the Welsh language in social services, according to a new report.

Cabinet members heard at a meeting this week that services for children and adults are continuing to strengthen their Welsh language provision, ensuring more people can access care and support in the language of their choice.

Central to this work is the ‘Active Offer’ approach, which means people are proactively offered care and support in Welsh – without needing to ask for it.

The report considered by Cabinet emphasised that for many people, particularly those who are vulnerable, being able to communicate in their preferred language can play a key role in building trust, expressing needs and achieving better outcomes.

It highlighted the council’s ongoing efforts to recruit more Welsh-speaking staff members, support existing employees to develop or improve their Welsh language skills, and promote the use of the language within the service.

Welsh language considerations are also being embedded more consistently into assessments, care planning and safeguarding processes, helping to ensure people’s language needs are met from the outset.

Craig Macleod, Chief Officer for Social Services, said:

“We want people to feel comfortable and understood when they access our services, and language is a big part of that.

“While good progress has been made, the Council is committed to building on this work and ensuring Welsh is a natural part of how our services are delivered day-to-day.”