Communication boards installed across Merthyr County Borough

Merthyr Tydfil CBC are incredibly grateful to have received symbol-based communication boards through funding from the Welsh Government's 'Talk with Me' plan.

These boards are invaluable tools in helping non-speaking children to communicate their needs, thoughts, and emotions by touching the symbols on the board. By providing these communication boards, the Council are striving to create a more inclusive environment for all our children, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves effectively.

The authority believe that these boards will greatly benefit the children in our care and we are committed to making sure that every child has the support they need to thrive.

Theo Jones is 5 years old and recently discovered a communication board in his local park, mum Carly said: “The boards will really help me to understand what Theo needs when we are in the park, he’s used to using PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) in school so this will be brilliant for us.”

The communication boards can be currently found in 9 of our children’s playgrounds across the borough, including:

• Cyfarthfa
• Thomastown
• Keir Hardie, Twynyrodyn
• Moy Road, Aberfan
• Trefechan
• Troedyrhiw Central
• Edwardsville
• Treharris
• Pentrebach

With the 10th board due to be installed at Parc Taf Bargoed later in the year.

Rhiannon Stephens Davies, Head Teacher, Greenfield School commented: “This is exciting news, there are now many children and people who use symbols and pictures to communicate. This is great for raising awareness amongst the public and also supports our children to use their communication skills when they are out and about with their friends and families.”

Kath Bowen, Early Language Development Lead Officer for the Local Authority added: “The bilingual nature of the boards present a valuable opportunity to help non-Welsh speaking families in developing foundation Welsh language skills.”

Cllr Geraint Thomas, Leader of Merthyr Council and Cabinet Member for Education said: “These communication boards are amazing tools for helping non-speaking children express themselves. The Council is committed to creating a more inclusive environment for all our children, making sure that everyone has a voice.”