By CEO Cherrie Bija
I was delighted to show Michael Sheen around Cwtch Mawr Wales Multibank. Known for his views on social justice, his passion for Wales, and his philanthropic kindness, Michael’s visit was an inspiring opportunity to discuss the impact of Wales Multibank. We shared stories of grassroots change and explored how, together, we can make a difference today for those in crisis. Our conversation reinforced the importance of fighting for a future where compassion and kindness prevail, pushing away poverty and caring for our people and planet.
As the CEO of Faith in Families, I have the privilege of leading Cwtch Mawr – Wales Multibank, a project that has had an incredible impact on our communities. Our vision for 2024 was ambitious, but we exceeded all expectations.
Faith in Families’ mission is to build brighter futures, rooted in our communities. We nurture growth and cultivate fairer opportunities for all, especially during childhood. At the heart of Cwtch Mawr, our mission is clear:
Reduce Poverty: We strive to alleviate poverty in our local communities.
Enhance Opportunities for People: We aim to enhance training, volunteering, and employment opportunities.
Reduce Waste and Care for Our Planet: We are committed to addressing climate change and nature emergencies.
Pushing Poverty Away
One of our goals was to support 40,000 families in Swansea. As of December 2024, we have touched the lives of 49,798 individuals, 37,722 families, 30,105 children, and 10,878 seniors. The 413,197 donated essential items we distributed have made a tangible difference in their lives.
Connecting with Our Charities
We set out to establish 20 local referral partners, but the response exceeded our expectations. We now collaborate with 104 smaller charities and organisations across Swansea. This network has been vital in reaching those who need our help the most – from small food banks to women’s aid, children’s sports clubs and homeless projects as well as our incredible Swansea Council for Voluntary Services.
Collaborating with Corporate Business Donation Partners
Our goal was to partner with at least three corporate businesses. Today, we proudly work with 15 corporate giants, including Amazon, Leekes, and Primark. These partnerships have provided us with the donated resources to expand our impact.
Cultivating a Community of Local Business Donation Partners and Public Sector Organisations
We aimed to partner with three local businesses, but our community’s support has been overwhelming. We now have 20 local business partners, including Swansea Council, Welsh Government, Pobl, Swansea Bay Business Club, CES, Lloyd and Whyte, Shufflebottom Ltd, Coastal Housing, Facilities Services Group and Swansea Building Society. Their contributions have been invaluable.
Developing a Carbon Action Plan
Environmental sustainability is a core priority for us. By repurposing 413,197 donated items, looking to half a million by the end of the year, we are reducing waste and supporting our planet. We are also planning to move to a larger warehouse to achieve net zero through energy efficiency improvements, giving us space to reach wider.
Volunteer, Training, and Employment Package
Developing comprehensive training and employment programs has been a key focus. We are piloting a JOBS apprentice scheme with Gower College Swansea and have regular corporate volunteers from various companies. This initiative is helping us build a stronger, more skilled community.
The Journey Ahead
Leading Cwtch Mawr has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I have worked with incredible people like Gordon Brown, John Boumphrey, and an inspiring group of women – Keely Dalfen, Kirst Thomson, Beth Major, Charlotte Hill, Eugenie Teasley. Conversations with Peter Capaldi, David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Simon Cowell, Gaby Roslin, and many other celebrities have shown me the power of collective effort. The compassion of our local business community, including phenomenal individuals like Amy Seppman, Matt Warren, Alex Shufflebottom, Geraint Davies, Mike Parkhouse, Matt Pugh, and our incredible patron Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE, has been overwhelming.
What’s Next?
Our ambition to grow beyond Swansea is becoming a reality. We are in discussions with the Welsh Government to move to a larger premises, which will enable us to expand our reach to Neath, Port Talbot, Bridgend, and beyond within the next six months.
Together, we are making a significant impact and moving closer to our vision of a poverty-free and environmentally sustainable future.
Why We Do This
The stories from those we help are a testament to the impact of our work. Nicola from POBL shared how our support enabled a tenant to move from homelessness to having a home. Maya from IDVA spoke of the joy and gratitude of families receiving our donations. Dawn Howells from Pentre School expressed her gratitude for the items that exceeded their expectations and will support many students and families.
These stories and many more highlight the profound difference we are making. We are not just providing items; we are restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of community. This is why we do what we do – to build brighter futures for everyone.
But we need to do more, we can do more, together – please can you join us in the mission to reach even more people in crisis in 2025?
Together, we can continue to make a difference and create a better, more equitable Wales for us all – a Wales where every child could reach their full potential, a country that will be a great place for us all to live, grow, work and play.
