A new Welsh language initiative, Nerth Dy Ben, (translation: Strength of Mind) set up by six friends, is today (4 February) launching a new single and website, sharing ideas and inspiration about healthy minds in rural Wales.
Nerth Dy Ben, a volunteer-run project, aims to give individuals a platform to share positive experiences, in Welsh, about living and working in rural Wales, through song, video, web chats, podcasts, stories and photos.
The new Welsh single ‘Byw i’r Dydd’ (Live for Today) has been created to mark the launch of the project. The song was composed by accomplished songwriter, Rhydian Meilir with Llannefydd poet, Ffion Gwen, working with Rhydian on the lyrics. The single was produced by the talented musician, Mei Gwynedd. All project members are delighted to be launching the new single to coincide with Welsh Language Music Day, Dydd Miwsig Cymru.
“We are six very excited friends today, having reached this milestone as we share our vision for Nerth Dy Ben.
“It’s a completely voluntary scheme and stems from ideas we’ve had in recent years about Welsh rural communities, about people, circumstances and situations where we’ve all experienced the sense of community that gives us the strength to cope, achieve and survive day to day situations.”
One who has contributed a video to the new website www.nerthdyben.cymru is Rhodri Siôn, a 25 year old farmer’s son from Nebo near Llanrwst. Rhodri discusses the importance he feels of being outdoors and pushing his limits when walking and mountaineering. He talks of dealing with stress in challenging circumstances, such as wintry weather on a mountain, and the mental and physical well-being that this gives him when dealing with stress in normal life situations.
Alaw Owen, with her brother Ifan Owen of Llanddoged, Llanrwst; Elen Lois from Llangernyw, Nia Lloyd from Rhydycroesau, Oswestry and Amanda Harries from Plwmp in Ceredigion are the six friends, along with Nia Parry, who established the project.
“This project is close to our hearts, as we all experienced inner strength of body and mind after Alaw was seriously injured in a road traffic collision two years ago. As family and friends, it was a difficult time, but we were all empowered by Alaw’s own strength, as she improved and gained strength following the accident.
“Our hope, as the website is set up and the scheme develops, is to host Nerth Dy Ben events (post Covid19), raising awareness and emphasising the importance of keeping a positive mindset by sharing people’s strength of mind within rural communities.”
“Nerth Dy Ben is a place for everyone to visit when they need that little extra burst of energy and confidence. Instead of the things we can’t do, this project is a reminder of our own strengths. It is an extremely powerful energy we can use, acknowledge and share with others.
“We are acutely aware that not everyone can feel strong at all times, so there is information on the website about valuable mental health charities and organisations that can offer assistance and support in Welsh, to anyone who needs it.”
As part of the website, there is a dedicated section ‘Nerth yr Ifanc’ (Youth Strength) which includes blogs and vlogs from young people discussing their inner strength. One of the highlights of the section is a top 5 songs list by contributors who share upbeat music that makes them want to sing and dance to the beat.
“It is a breath of fresh air to work with a group of young people who are enthused about talking openly and positively about life experiences, through the medium of Welsh. A positive and healthy mind is vitally important and being able to share experiences through platforms that are relevant and easily accessible, through the medium of Welsh, is crucial. We are very pleased to be working with this project and seeing a brand new single launched by young people from our area to celebrate Dydd Miwsig Cymru.”
The project is funded by Brenig Wind Ltd’s Community Benefit Fund.
To find out more about the Welsh language site, Nerth Dy Ben, visit the website www.nerthdyben.cymru
The single, ‘Byw i’r Dydd’ will be released on Dydd Miwsig Cymru Welsh Language Music Day (Friday 5 February) and both the song and the video can be seen at www.nerthdyben.cymru. The song will also be available to download on iTunes and the usual platforms, with a percentage of paid downloads coming back to reinvest in the project.
To hear the single and other Welsh songs on Dydd Miwsig Cymru, go to the app or website www.amam.cymru, Twitter or Instagram @Miwsig_ or Facebook @Miwsig