15 June 2020

S4C will work with a number of charities over the coming months in order to broadcast advertisements for charities and organisations doing heroic work during the Covid crisis.

The channel invited applications from charities and organisations that are located in Wales or who operate at a Welsh level and offer support to people during the crisis.

S4C also decided to offer reduced rates to companies in Wales in order to promote their Covid efforts.

And in order to encourage Welsh language advertising the channel has decided to extend its subsidy for Welsh advertisements to the scheme.

The first advertisements under the scheme will be broadcast this week including Shelter Cymru which offers support to the homeless and Amser i Newid Cymru which runs a campaign focusing on men's mental health

Jennie Bibbings, Campaign Manager for Shelter Cymru said: "It is excellent that S4C recognizes the importance of the work of charities during this pandemic.

"We know that people in Wales are worried about their homes and housing situation during such difficult times, without knowing who to turn to for help.

"We are therefore grateful to S4C for the opportunity to provide vital advice and support to those people who need our help to ensure that they can stay safe in their homes."

June Jones from Time to Change Wales said: "Time to Change Wales is extremely grateful to S4C for this free advertising opportunity during Men's Health Week.

"Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time but we know men in general find it harder to talk about this subject.

"The #TalkingIsALifeline campaign aims to encourage men in Wales to talk about their mental health without the fear of being judged.

"It's time we asked the question for men's mental health, 'Are you alright?'."

Owen Evans, Chief Executive of S4C said: "We are very pleased to be able to support the good work of the third sector and the organisations that have been most affected by this crisis.

"15 charities to date benefit from free advertising space on our channel, and it is pleasing to be able to showcase the key work of a wide range of charities through advertisements on S4C."

The other charities that will receive advertising space in the coming months are Tŷ Hafan, GISDA, Action for Elders, The Autism Directory, Bullies Out, Tenovus, Adferiad Recovery, WCADA, Hourglass Cymru, St John's Cymru, Awyr Las, WCVA and Air Ambulance Wales.