AS a rural North Wales project, set up to promote inner strength of body and mind reaches its first birthday, Nerth Dy Ben (Strength of Mind) is celebrating the fact they’ve reached out to over 40,000 online viewers during its first year.

Set up by six friends, the volunteer-run project, whose aim was to give individuals a platform to share positive experiences, in Welsh, about living and working in rural Wales have been astounded by the reaction.

A new single ‘Byw i’r Dydd’ (Live for today) launched together with the website a year ago, has since been streamed over 36,000 times.

BBC Radio Cymru played the first broadcast live on air and it has continued to be heard on its radio waves and online throughout the year.

Nearly 3,000 people follow their social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) and a live on-line broadcast chat with world class ultra runner, Lowri Morgan, and the best machine shearer in the world, Richard Jones of Glyndyfrdwy was viewed by nearly 2,000 people.

Denbigh’s Alaw Owen, founding director and Nerth Dy Ben chairperson, said: “We have been astounded at the success of this project.

"The level of support by contributors has been amazing, they are the core of it all and the strength of mind perspective has resonated with so many of our followers.

"Negativity can impact our lives daily, Nerth dy Ben is passionate about keeping a balance by reminding people to focus on their strengths.

“Our motto from the off has been to create a platform that has a variety of media, be that song, video, web chats, podcasts, stories or photos to create interesting content that resonates and provides a sense of community with people living in rural areas.

“Nerth Dy Ben has always been a place that anyone can 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."

Contributors to the project sharing their own invaluable experiences of keeping strong in rural north Wales have included farmers, teachers, footballers, rugby players, butchers, singers, actors and students.

Farmers Union of Wales president Glyn Roberts and his farming family participated in a month-long contributors’ section on the website during the year, sharing their tools and tips on what keeps their body and mind strong during challenging times.

One Denbighshire deputy headteacher who has seen the project’s strength is Siân Alwen, from Ysgol Glan Clwyd, who said: “We’re delighted to wish Nerth Dy Ben a happy birthday.

"The continuity of this project and its evolution over the next period is central.

"Maintaining its quality and extending what is provided is highly important in this day and age.

"It contains the most valuable Welsh-medium resources we have, here at the school.”

Alaw Owen, together with her brother Ifan Owen of Llanddoged, Llanrwst; Nia Parry, presenter and television producer from Rhostryfan, Caernarfon; Elen Lois from Llangernyw, Nia Lloyd from Rhydycroesau, Oswestry and Amanda Harries from Plwmp in Ceredigion are the six friends who established Nerth dy Ben.

TV presenter Nia Parry used her skills during the year to create a special podcast interviewing Alaw, whose vision was the initiator to establishing Nerth Dy Ben.

Alaw was seriously injured in a road traffic collision three years ago and family and friends were all empowered by Alaw's own strength, as she improved and gained strength following the serious incident.

Plans are afoot to employ a development officer, together with a marketing and digital content officer, subject to funding applications.

The group has established partnerships with local community organisations including the YFC and is grateful to Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, Brenig Wind Ltd, Clocaenog Community Fund and the Ashley Foundation for initial funding to develop the project.

The group has also worked with S4C to create Clwyd TiFi a digital community channel targeting the former Clwyd county.

“Obviously, Covid-19 has scuppered some of our original plans,” explained Alaw, “but we are very keen to develop on our foundations and enhance our reach moving forward. Targeting the Conwy and Denbighshire areas but relative across Wales, we hope to develop and continue our healthy body and mind awareness campaign with more digital content and community events for the future.”

To find out more about the Welsh language project, Nerth Dy Ben, visit the website www.nerthdyben.cymru