Families in Wales are being offered financial incentives to return to certain areas in a unique initiative aimed at preserving the Welsh language and boosting the appeal of specific regions. The ARFOR’s Llwyddo’n Lleol initiative is offering grants of up to £5,000 to families willing to return to Welsh-speaking heartlands in Gwynedd, Anglesey, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire. This joint venture by local authorities in the mentioned counties aims to support Welsh language strongholds and encourage Welsh people to stay in the region.
As part of the initiative, families considering returning to the ARFOR region can receive financial support to cover various costs such as transport, rent or mortgage, childcare, and Welsh lessons. Applicants must commit to returning by March, have at least one adult under 36, have a member originally from the region now living outside, include someone who knows Welsh or is willing to learn, and be open to sharing their experience on camera. The decline in Welsh speakers in traditional areas is partly attributed to the emigration of families and young people.
Individuals like Huw Brassington from Gwynedd, who returned home after being offered the grant, see this initiative as an opportunity to bring their work back to their native communities. Sioned Meleri Evans also moved back to Carmarthenshire for work opportunities with a local company. The scheme aims to show that a prosperous future and exciting job prospects are achievable within their home communities.
If you are interested in participating in the scheme, you can contact Llwyddo’n Lleol at llwyddonlleol@rhaglenarfor.cymru. The initiative seeks to reverse the trend of young families leaving by offering financial support and job opportunities in the ARFOR region, ultimately aiming to preserve the Welsh language and strengthen these Welsh-speaking communities for future generations.