This summer, Back to School with a Cwtch proved once again just how powerful community can be. Over three events in Bonymaen, Clase, and Teilo’s Community Cwtch in Portmead, we welcomed 1,505 attendees — 505 adults and 1,000 children — ensuring every child walked away with the supplies they needed to start the new school year with confidence.
Each child received a brand-new backpack, filled with the essentials that so many families are struggling to afford. This wasn’t just about giving out bags — it was about dignity, belonging, and making sure children walked into school ready to learn, play, and thrive.
Community in Action
The success of Back to School with a Cwtch wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our partners:
- Veeqo – who didn’t just sponsor the campaign but personally picked and packed every single bag.
- Amazon – for supplying the school items that filled each backpack.
- Multibank UK – for standing alongside us in making sure no child is left behind.
- Rasoi Indian Kitchen – whose team cooked and served meals, keeping families nourished and together at every event.
And of course, our dedicated volunteers and staff team, who made sure every smile, every hug, and every backpack reached the children who needed them most.
Why Back to School Matters
The cost of living is higher than the average wage, and even the hardest-working parents can find themselves stretched beyond breaking point. Back to School with a Cwtch is not about handouts — it’s about recognising the reality families face and stepping in, together, to make sure children don’t carry that burden into the classroom.
When a child arrives at school with the right tools, they’re not just prepared academically; they feel equal to their peers, proud, and ready to take on the year ahead. That’s what this project is all about — and why it matters so deeply.
A Summer of Fun, Food, and Friendship
Back to School with a Cwtch was just one part of what has been an unforgettable summer. Thanks to COAST and Summer Holiday Funding, we were able to run a whole programme of activities that brought joy and relief to families across Swansea.
In total, we recorded 3,335 attendances across all summer activities. From action-packed play schemes to community fun days in Clase Park, trips to Playzone, Laserzone, the cinema, bowling, and even the beach — children had opportunities to laugh, play, learn, and create memories together. ✨
This summer has been nothing short of amazing — and it’s all thanks to the dedication, energy, and kindness of our brilliant Faith in Families team. They worked tirelessly to make sure children and families had safe, fun spaces to enjoy, while parents had a break from the daily pressures.
And we even managed to fundraise for something truly special — two coachloads of families from across Swansea heading out together for a day at Folly Farm. A memory-making day that won’t be forgotten. 🌻
Fighting Holiday Hunger
Of course, summer is not always easy. When schools close, free school meals stop — and that can leave families facing impossible choices about how to stretch already tight budgets.
That’s why we acted quickly to secure support:
- £6,900 worth of food vouchers, helping parents relax knowing their children would be fed.
- 108 “Meals in a Bag” kits, complete with recipes and budgeting guides, giving families the ingredients to make healthy, tasty meals together.
The vouchers and food bags meant more than just meals — they meant peace of mind, shared family time, and children starting the new school term nourished, happy, and ready to learn.
Looking Ahead
Every backpack given, every fun day enjoyed, and every meal shared is a reminder that Swansea is a community that shows up. From 1,000 children supported with school supplies, to more than 3,000 attendances at summer activities, this summer has shown what we can achieve when we pull together.
At Faith in Families, we believe no child should be left behind — not during term-time, and not during the school holidays. With your continued support, we’ll keep creating opportunities for children and families to laugh, learn, and thrive.
