Gower College Swansea and Faith in Families’ Cwtch Mawr Multibank are joining forces to launch a new Student Essentials Hub at the Tycoch campus. This proof of concept will provide discreet, dignity-first access to everyday essentials, while strengthening belonging and learner wellbeing.
The partnership brings together college leaders, student representatives and our Multibank team. Together, we’re creating practical support that works for students, because no learner should struggle to access basic essentials while studying.
A Partnership Built on Dignity and Belonging
The meeting brought together James Donaldson, Vice Principal for Learner Experience and Inclusion, Marcus Westmoreland, Head of Learner Experience, Student Union President Rose Wahbi, programme support leads Fatima Lopes and Joshua Jordan, and Jonathan Waite from Cwtch Mawr Multibank.
From the start, the focus was clear. This partnership must support learners with dignity. It must also strengthen the College’s commitment to tackling poverty in a way that avoids stigma.
Gower College Swansea plays a vital role as an anchor institution in our region. You can learn more about the College and its community impact on the Gower College Swansea website. Because of its reach, even small changes on campus can make a big difference to learner wellbeing.
Jonathan Waite said:
“Gower College is a key anchor in Swansea. This partnership will help learners access essentials in a way that is discreet, dignified and shaped with the Student Union so it genuinely works on campus.”
Meanwhile, the Student Union will help co-design the offer. That matters, because students know best what students actually need.
Rose Wahbi added:
“This is about making sure learners feel supported and included. We want an offer that is practical, respectful and designed around what students actually need.”
What the Student Essentials Hub Will Provide
The Student Essentials Hub will operate on campus at Tycoch as a proof of concept after half term. If successful, it will create a blueprint for wider rollout across other campuses.
The hub will be stocked by Cwtch Mawr Multibank and operated by the College. Supplies will include:
Toiletries and hygiene products
Household cleaning essentials
Clothing and shoes
Ambient food basics
Importantly, this will complement existing campus support such as foodbanks and pre-loved offers. It won’t replace what already works. Instead, it will strengthen and connect those services.
In addition, there will be a clear referral pathway into Cwtch Mawr Multibank for higher-need cases. That means learners who require more intensive support can access it quickly and discreetly.
Where capacity allows, optional add-ons may include digital inclusion support and alignment with fuel poverty routes. Therefore, the hub won’t just respond to immediate need. It will also help learners stabilise and stay focused on their education.
Keeping Essential Goods in Circulation
At Faith in Families, we believe in keeping essential goods in circulation and placing them directly into the hands of people who need them. Through Cwtch Mawr Multibank, we work with partners across Swansea Bay and beyond to redistribute high-quality items through a dignity-first model.
This new Student Essentials Hub reflects that same approach. It’s not about labels or judgement. Instead, it’s about practical support that protects privacy and strengthens belonging on campus.
You can read more about our wider Multibank work here:
👉 https://faithinfamilies.wales/cwtch-mawr-multibank/
Because when learners feel secure and supported, they are far more likely to thrive. And thriving learners build stronger communities.
What Happens Next
The proof of concept will launch after half term at Tycoch campus. During this phase, partners will monitor engagement, gather feedback and refine the model.
If it works well, the blueprint can expand across other campuses. That would significantly increase access to essentials for learners across the region.
However, partnerships like this don’t happen in isolation. They rely on collaboration, shared values and practical backing.
Get Involved
We’re now inviting partners and supporters to help strengthen the Student Essentials Hub.
You can support the programme by:
Providing funding
Donating essential goods
Offering volunteering opportunities
Partnering on term-time campaigns
If you’d like to be part of this work, please get in touch with our team via support@faithinfamilies.wales.
Because tackling poverty on campus isn’t just about essentials. It’s about dignity. It’s about belonging. And it’s about making sure every learner has the chance to succeed.
