Residents and visitors to Newtown will now have a new way to communicate and connect thanks to the recent installation of Makaton boards in the town centre and Maesyrhadir play parks.

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, in collaboration with Powys Teaching Health Board, Powys County Council, and Talk With Me, have worked together to bring these new communication tools to the community.

Makaton is a communication system that uses signs and symbols alongside speech to help individuals, especially children and those with additional communication needs, better communicate and interact with others.

Lee Davies, Operations Manager at Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council said:

"We are delighted to be part of this initiative, which underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible community space for all residents."

The installation of the Makaton boards is part of a larger effort to enhance accessibility and communication for everyone in Newtown and beyond.

Pictured (from left): Claire Evans, Speech and Language Assistant, Children from Ysgol Calon Y Dderwen, Francesca Landers, Speech and Language Therapy Paediatric Team Leader and Lee Davies, Operations Manager at Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council.