A Huge Cwtch to the FAW for Visiting Cwtch Mawr Multibank 

Today, we had the honour of welcoming Noel Mooney, CEO of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), along with his inspiring colleagues Helen Antoniazzi, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability, and Aled Lewis, Director of the Cymru Football Foundation, to our Cwtch Mawr Multibank. Their visit marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration, as FAW explores ways to partner with Faith in Families to support our cause.

The Cwtch Mawr Multibank, Wales’ first-ever multibank, opened its doors in March 2024. It has quickly become a cornerstone for families in need across Swansea Bay, distributing over 140,000 care packages last year. By combining essential resources with a sustainable approach, our multibank ensures that we address both the immediate needs of the community and the long-term goal of reducing waste.

As a proud advocate for sustainability, FAW shares our vision of creating a brighter, more inclusive future. Their visit highlighted how football and community care can go hand-in-hand to support those in need while championing sustainable practices.

Pictured: From left to right, CEO of Faith in Families Cherrie Bija, CEO of FAW Noel Mooney, Fundraising Manager Siany Martin, Helen Antoniazzi of FAW, and Aled Lewis of the Cymru Football Foundation, standing proudly in front of the vibrant mural at Cwtch Mawr.

FAW | Building Bridges Through Shared Values

FAW is not only about football; it’s about fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and inspiration. By nurturing inclusivity and accessibility, FAW ensures that everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the beautiful game. This ethos aligns perfectly with the work we do at Faith in Families, where we believe that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive

CEO of Faith in Families, Cherrie Bija, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying:

“It’s inspiring to see an organisation as influential as FAW taking an active interest in community causes. Together, we can create meaningful change; helping vulnerable families, promoting sustainability, and fostering a sense of community pride. We’re thrilled to have their support and look forward to the impact we can make together.”
Cherrie Bija
CEO of Faith in Families

Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, said:

"Having been introduced to the Cwtch Mawr project by Mark Drakeford, we were delighted to be able to visit the site in Swansea and see for ourselves the incredible work they are doing to support and empower communities. The passion and dedication of the team was palpable, it was inspiring to see how they are changing people's lives for the better. At the FAW we are committed do everything in our power to improve Cymru’s economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being. We are excited to be able to collaborate with Cwtch Mawr to realise our vision and enhance lives, and to support communities while also taking action to protect our planet and the environment."
Noel Mooney
CEO of FAW

How You Can Help

While partnerships like this one with FAW are vital, our work wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of individuals and local organisations. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

  1. Donate: Whether it’s surplus brand new goods such as food, clothing, or household essentials, every contribution helps us stock the shelves of Cwtch Mawr and our Community Cwtches.
  2. Volunteer: Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us distribute care packages, assist at events, or lend a hand in day-to-day operations.
  3. Spread the Word: Share our story with friends, family, and colleagues to help raise awareness about the challenges families in Swansea Bay face and how we’re working to address them.
  4. Collaborate: If you’re part of a business or organisation, consider teaming up with us to amplify our impact.

Looking to the Future

This visit from FAW is just the beginning. By working together, we can create a sustainable future where families across Swansea Bay and South Wales not only survive but thrive. We extend our deepest thanks to Noel, Helen, and Aled for their time and enthusiasm, and we look forward to building this partnership to make an even greater difference.

At Faith in Families, we know that change happens when communities unite. Let’s continue to come together to support brighter futures for all.

If you’d like to get involved with Faith in Families or learn more about our work, please contact us or visit our Support Us page here.