Today, Faith in Families attended the launch of the Wales Centre for Public Policy’s new Voices of Swansea report, a powerful piece of research exploring the impact of poverty stigma across Swansea. Developed alongside community researchers with lived experience, the report shines a light on how poverty affects people far beyond finances alone and what public services can do differently.
For Faith in Families, conversations about poverty stigma are not new. We see the impact every single day through our Community Cwtches, outreach work, and Cwtch Mawr Multibank. However, hearing lived experiences shared so openly at the launch was still incredibly powerful.
As our CEO, Cherrie Bija, reflected during the event, poverty is never a lifestyle choice.
"No parent dreams of raising their child in poverty".
Challenging Poverty Stigma in Swansea
The Voices of Swansea report focuses on the reality of living with poverty stigma in Swansea communities. It explores how judgement, shame and prejudice can stop people from accessing support or feeling valued within society.
Importantly, the report also highlights practical solutions. These include investing in trusted community spaces, delivering services with dignity, and changing the language used around poverty.
That message strongly reflects the work already happening across Faith in Families projects. Every week, our teams support children and families facing impossible choices. Many people arrive feeling embarrassed or judged. Yet what they need most is kindness, understanding and practical support without shame.
During the discussions, Cherrie spoke honestly about hearing comments suggesting some people “choose” poverty or manipulate systems. While she acknowledged that some people may hide the reasons behind their struggles, she challenged the damaging assumptions often attached to poverty.
In more than 30 years working alongside families in Swansea, she said she has never met anyone who wanted to live in poverty.
Why Trusted Community Spaces Matter
One of the clearest messages from the report was the importance of trusted local spaces. That is exactly why Faith in Families Community Cwtches exist.
Our Community Cwtches provide safe, welcoming spaces where people can access support, advice, food provision, activities and connection without fear of judgement. Families can ask for help confidentially, build confidence, and connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
Because poverty affects every part of life, support must go beyond emergency help alone.
Last week, someone accessing our Multibank shared that, for the first time in three years, she finally had enough spare money to get her hair cut. For many people, that may sound small. However, dignity is never small.
Moments like this remind us that tackling poverty is not only about meeting basic needs. It is also about restoring confidence, self-worth and hope.
Poverty Stigma Has Long-Term Effects
Another key theme from the Voices of Swansea report was the lasting impact poverty stigma has on children.
Many adults still carry painful memories from childhood. Cherrie shared her own experience of holding tightly onto a free school meal ticket at school, hoping nobody would notice. Decades later, she still remembers the shame she felt in that moment.
Unfortunately, those experiences are still happening for many children today.
When children grow up feeling judged or excluded because of poverty, those feelings often stay with them into adulthood. As a result, tackling poverty stigma early is essential for creating healthier communities in the future.
That is why Faith in Families continues working across Swansea Bay to ensure children and families feel seen, respected and supported.
Building a Fairer Future Together
The Voices of Swansea report is an important reminder that poverty can affect anyone. Circumstances change quickly, and many families are only one crisis away from hardship.
Therefore, tackling poverty stigma must become everyone’s responsibility.
At Faith in Families, we believe support should always be delivered with dignity, compassion and respect. We also believe communities are strongest when people feel valued rather than judged.
Through our Community Cwtches, family support services and Cwtch Mawr Multibank, we will continue working towards a Swansea where everyone can live, grow, learn and thrive with dignity.
You can read more about the Voices of Swansea report on the Wales Centre for Public Policy website.
If you would like to support Faith in Families and help create a fairer future for children and families across Swansea Bay, visit the Faith in Families website.
