Welsh language soap opera “Pobol y Cwm” has announced a groundbreaking new storyline centered around childhood sexual abuse, developed with the help of Greater Manchester-based charity We Are Survivors. The episode, which aired last night, followed the character of Mathew, played by Mark Stuart Roberts, as he returned to his childhood home and was confronted with memories of his traumatic experiences.
We Are Survivors CEO, Duncan Craig OBE, who has previously worked on popular dramas such as Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, played a crucial role in the development of this storyline. He worked closely with the show’s writer, Gareth Owen, and producers to ensure the authenticity and sensitivity of the portrayal.
In a statement, Craig expressed his admiration for the dedication and commitment of the Pobol y Cwm team, stating, “the whole experience of working with the team at Pobol y Cwm has been incredible.” He also praised the writing team, saying, “Gareth and Osian were amazing, never once did they make me feel like what I was saying wasn’t useful or that I was being critical.”
We Are Survivors has previously collaborated with other popular shows, including Hollyoaks and Casualty, to raise awareness about sexual abuse and its impact. Actor Mark Stuart Roberts, who plays Mathew in Pobol y Cwm, shared his thoughts on working with the charity, stating, “I don’t know what I was expecting when Duncan came on screen during our initial online meeting, but he just burst onto the screen!” He also expressed his admiration for the organization and its mission, saying, “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and created.”
The powerful and emotional storyline has also resonated with viewers, with Craig reflecting, “There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing difficult issues explored in a familiar setting, with characters people have grown up watching.” The show’s connection with We Are Survivors has been so strong that Mark Stuart Roberts has been named as the latest charity Ambassador, joining other notable names such as Hollyoaks’ James Sutton and RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Cheddar Gorgeous.
The latest edition of We Are Survivors’ magazine, “Beyond the Silence,” is available now, and viewers can catch Pobol y Cwm on BBC iPlayer.