Dr Caroline Jones named finalist in prestigious National Eisteddfod Welsh Learner of the Year Award
Dr Caroline Jones, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Child Psychology and Psychological Interventions, has been recognised among the very best Welsh Learners in Wales after reaching the final of the National Eisteddfod’s Welsh Learner of the Year competition - one of the highest accolades for Welsh learners in the country.
Organised jointly by the National Eisteddfod and the National Centre for Learning Welsh, the competition celebrates learners whose commitment, enthusiasm, and use of the Welsh language have made a meaningful impact on their communities, workplaces, and everyday lives.
The Welsh Language is a vital part of Wales’ identity, culture, and heritage, connecting communities and generations across the country. The Welsh Learner of the Year award recognises individuals who have not only embraced the language themselves but have also championed the language and inspired others to use Welsh with confidence. Reaching the final is a significant achievement, reflecting years of dedication and genuine passion for the language, and the important role learners play in helping the language thrive.
For Caroline, learning Welsh has been about much more than learning a new way to communicate. Originally from London, Caroline first became aware of the Welsh Language after meeting her husband more than 20 years ago. After moving the North Wales in 2004, she began learning Welsh while studying for and MSc and later a doctorate at Bangor University, fully immersing herself in the communities and culture around her. Over the years, Welsh has become an integral part of both her professional and personal life, opening doors to new opportunities, friendships, and a deeper connection with the place she now calls home.
Today, the Welsh language plays an important role in both Caroline’s professional and personal life. As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and the Head of her Department, she is proud to be able to offer bilingual services to patients, particularly children and young people. She understands that when people are discussing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, being able to communicate in their preferred language can help them feel more comfortable, understood and supported. For Caroline, providing care through Welsh is not only about language choice, but about delivering compassionate, person-centred care that meets the needs of the communities she serves.
Colleagues describe Caroline as a passionate advocate for the Welsh language, always encouraging others to have confidence to use their Welsh, whatever their level. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she has inspired many around her to begin or continue their own learning journeys.
Outside work, Welsh is woven into family life. With her children attending a Welsh-medium school, Caroline continues to develop her language skills and enjoys the opportunities the language has given her to connect more deeply with her community and culture. Having previously been recognised as the Health Board’s Intermediate/Higher Welsh Learner of the Year, she is now an ambassador for the language and the benefits it brings.
Discussing this recognition, Caroline said: “Learning Welsh has enriched my life in so many ways. It has helped me feel part of the community, opened doors professionally and personally, and allowed me to connect with people in a different way”.
“To be recognised as a finalist in such a prestigious national competition is a huge honour, and I hope it encourages others to take that first step (or next step) on their Welsh learning journey.”
Welsh Language Training Manager, Beth Jones, said: “Caroline’s achievement is thoroughly deserved and reflects the commitment, enthusiasm, and determination she has shown throughout her Welsh Language journey. Reaching the final of this competition is an outstanding accomplishment and recognition of the positive impact she has made both within the Health Board and beyond”.
“The Welsh language plays a vital role in helping us deliver person-centred care and ensuring patients can access services in the language of their choice. Caroline is a fantastic role model, demonstrating how learning and using Welsh can enrich both professional and personal life while helping us strengthen our connections with the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud of her and wish her every success.”
Caroline’s achievement is a source of pride for the Health Board and highlights the growing commitment of staff to learning Welsh. She is the fifth member of staff from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to reach the final of the National Eisteddfod’s Welsh Learner of the Year competition, following Yankier Perez in 2018, Manuela Niemetscheck and Alison Roberts (winner) in 2023, and Leanne Parry in 2025.
Everyone here congratulates Caroline on this outstanding achievement and wishes her every success.