Swansea-based charity Faith in Families is proud to announce that its pioneering Multibank initiative, Cwtch Mawr, delivered in strong partnership with Swansea Council, has been shortlisted for the 2025 APSE Awards (Association for Public Service Excellence) in the category of Best Collaborative Working Initiative.
This powerful recognition of a national award highlights how local government and grassroots action can come together to support people in real need—with thousands of families across Swansea already feeling the benefit.
“I’m extremely proud that we have been involved with Cwtch Mawr from the very beginning and that since it opened last year, many thousands of people have been supported. These include people the council directly works with such as young people leaving care, people experiencing domestic abuse, young families supported by our early help hubs, members of our ageing well community, housing tenants and many others who are supported by our vital frontline services. We have heard how this is making a real difference to many residents and how it is improving people’s lives.”
“We are delighted that Swansea Council’s involvement with Cwtch Mawr has seen it shortlisted in this year’s APSE Awards. This recognition reflects the power of true partnership and co-production between Swansea Council and Faith in Families. Together, we’ve built a compassionate, responsive Multibank model that has delivered over 719,000 essential items to more than 150,000 people—supporting children and families, easing financial hardship, and strengthening communities. Cwtch Mawr is a shining example of what can be achieved when local government and grassroots organisations work hand-in-hand to tackle poverty and build a fairer, healthier city, working together so that Swansea is a great place for everyone.”
Cwtch Mawr is Wales’s first Multibank, a bold new initiative created to ensure families and individuals living in poverty, crisis, or trauma can access brand new, surplus essential items—clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and kitchenware—at exactly the moment they need them.
National Award Finalists
Led by Faith in Families with backing from Amazon, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and launched in partnership with Swansea Council, Cwtch Mawr began in a council-secured warehouse in 2024. Thanks to the support of the Welsh Government, it has now expanded into larger premises as demand has grown.
Teams across Swansea Council have accessed the service to support those they work with—including:
- 34,000 young people
- 44,000 families
- 18,000 over-60s
- 57,000 individuals
From care leavers moving into their first homes, to families fleeing domestic abuse, older people facing isolation, and schoolchildren in need—Cwtch Mawr is delivering direct, practical support with dignity and care.
Donated items are not second-hand, but brand-new surplus goods donated by businesses. These are distributed by charity partners and frontline professionals who ensure they go to those in urgent need. A temporary Multibank has also been set up at the Collaboration Station in St David’s Square to make access even easier for city centre services.
“Congratulations to Cwtch Mawr on being shortlisted for this prestigious award. In such a short time it has achieved an enormous amount, exceeding all expectations, and showing what can be done with a great idea and a determination to work with others to put it into practice.”
The APSE Awards celebrate the very best in public service and innovation. Winners will be announced later this year.
