01 April 2015

S4C have launched Llond Ceg – a brand new series for children and young people that will be discussing subjects, experiences and problems that they may face in an open, honest, balanced and sensitive way.

An episode of the series was shown publicly for the first time at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, Caerphilly when one of the series presenters Aled Haydn Jones visited the school.

Many of the school's pupils, along with pupils from various other schools across Wales, have taken part in discussions shown during the series about subjects such as bullying, family, sex, image, homework and divorce.

Sioned Wyn Roberts, S4C’s Children’s Content Commissioner says; "A variety of topics in the Llond Ceg series are difficult to discuss, and it has been an eye opener to see young people talking about sensitive issues such as mental health and puberty in an open and confident way. I would like to thank the children who took part for being so honest about the topics which affect them.

"The aim for Aled, as the presenter, and the production team at Green Bay Media was to tackle some of these difficult topics in an appropriate and sensitive way, and with the support of specialists and the NSPCC they have achieved that aim. I am very pleased that we can offer an ambitious and exciting programme such as Llond Ceg as part of our Stwnsh timetable."

The series includes eight programmes, and will be broadcast every Wednesday afternoon, 15 April at 5.30, as part of Stwnsh, S4C’s children and young people’s services. It is a series designed for 8 to 14 year olds, and information will be provided at the start of each programme to highlight the sensitive nature of some of the content.

The confidential support service ChildLine, which is part of NSPCC Cymru, is available at any time over the phone, email and online chat on ChildLine.org and 0800 1111 in Welsh and English, and children are welcome to contact them for advice or to discuss any issues that may arise during the programme.

Also launched this week is the new Llond Ceg app which includes information, advice and useful contacts for children and young people.

Throughout the making of this series, the production company Green Bay Media have consulted thoroughly with educational institutions and NSPCC Cymru and a ChildLine councillor was present during the filming of the question and answer sessions. The series also features professional advice by doctors and the child psychotherapist Aaron Balick, who works with Aled Haydn Jones on BBC Radio 1’s The Surgery, has also been part of the process.

Aled Haydn Jones, who is originally from Aberystwyth, is joined on Llong Ceg by Capital FM DJ and television presenter Geraint Hardy and the singer from Merthyr Tydfil Kizzy Crawford. A number of famous faces, such as Rhys Ifans, Richard Elis, Tara Bethan, Anni Llŷn and others will also discussing their experiences of growing up.

Bethan Simmonds, from NSPCC Cymru says; "NSPCC’s ChildLine service hold close to 1,000 counselling sessions daily with children and young people across Britain and the issues that arise are those that are tackled in Llond Ceg. Talking about problems can be very difficult and we often see young people giving each other advice on the ChildLine.org discussion boards. It’s great to see that the same kind of support is offered to young people on Llond Ceg."

Ends

Notes to editor:

Llond Ceg is a series designed for 8 to 14 year olds, and deals with subjects that parents might feel are unsuitable for younger children.

ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor about anything 24 hours a day - no problem is too big or too small. Call free on 0800 1111, have a 1-2-1 chat online on ChildLine.org or send an email.

As a result of the partnership between Green Bay Media, NSPCC, S4C and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, a special Llond Ceg app has been created in Welsh and in English which includes information, advice and useful contact for children and young people. It can be downloaded free of charge for Android and Apple devices.