Faith in Families has been shortlisted for the Community Impact Award at the Business in Wales Awards, recognising the difference being made across Swansea Bay through community support, partnership and practical action.
This is an incredible moment for our charity. To be recognised alongside organisations doing brilliant work across Wales is something we are truly proud of. However, this shortlist place is about much more than Faith in Families as an organisation.
It belongs to every child, family and individual who has trusted us. It belongs to our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, funders, businesses and supporters. Most of all, it belongs to the communities who show us every day what kindness, strength and connection really look like.
Community Impact Award recognition
The Business in Wales Awards celebrate organisations across Wales that are making a difference through leadership, innovation, enterprise and impact.
Being shortlisted for the Community Impact Award is a special recognition because community is at the heart of everything we do.
Faith in Families has been rooted in Swansea Bay communities for 27 years. Since 1999, we have supported children, families and individuals facing poverty, crisis, trauma, isolation and disadvantage.
Our work is built around a simple belief: nobody should face hard times alone.
That belief shapes every warm welcome in a Community Cwtch, every essential item shared through Cwtch Mawr Multibank Cymru, every opportunity created, and every relationship built.
Support that starts with dignity
Across our Community Cwtches, families can access safe spaces, early support and connection without judgement.
For some people, support begins with a toddler group, a warm conversation or a place to feel less alone. For others, it may begin with a practical need, such as clothing, nappies, toiletries or household essentials.
Through Cwtch Mawr Multibank Cymru, we help provide essential goods to people experiencing hardship. These items are distributed directly and through trusted referral partners who already know their communities well.
That matters because dignity matters.
A family may arrive needing immediate help, but that first moment can open the door to wider support. Over time, people may access outreach, play opportunities, wellbeing support, training, volunteering or specialist services.
So, what begins as a small moment of help can become a pathway into confidence, connection and change.
A message from Cherrie Bija
Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Faith in Families has been shortlisted for the Community Impact Award. This recognition means so much because it reflects the strength of the people and partnerships behind our work.It belongs to the families who trust us with their stories, the children who inspire us every day, and the incredible staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, referral partners, businesses and funders who stand alongside us.Every warm welcome, every essential item, every opportunity created and every act of kindness matters. This nomination recognises what can happen when a community comes together around the belief that nobody should face poverty, crisis or trauma alone.”
Partnership makes the difference
Faith in Families does not do this work alone. The strength of our impact comes from people and organisations choosing to stand with our communities.
We are proud to work alongside partners including City & County of Swansea, Welsh Government, The Multibank, Amazon, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Waterloo Foundation, Comic Relief, Pobl Group, Caredig, Beacon Cymru Group and Swansea Bay University Health Board.
These partnerships help us respond to need in a joined-up way. They also help us reach more people, share resources and create lasting support across Swansea Bay and beyond.
Because when communities, charities, businesses and public services work together, real change becomes possible.
Why this shortlist matters
Being shortlisted for the Community Impact Award shines a light on the everyday work happening across Faith in Families.
It recognises the staff member welcoming a parent who feels overwhelmed. It celebrates the volunteer sorting essential items at Cwtch Mawr Multibank Cymru. It honours the partner organisation making sure support reaches someone in crisis. It also reflects every supporter who gives time, funding, energy, skills or belief.
Awards are lovely, but the real achievement is the difference made in people’s lives.
It is the child who feels safe. The parent who feels less alone. The family who receives help before crisis becomes even harder. The community that knows someone is there.
Thank you for standing with us
We are so proud to be shortlisted for the Community Impact Award at the Business in Wales Awards.
Whatever happens next, this recognition belongs to everyone who makes Faith in Families what it is.
Thank you to every person, partner and organisation who has supported our journey. Your kindness, commitment and belief help us keep showing up for children, families and communities across Swansea Bay.
If you would like to learn more about our work, support Faith in Families, or get involved, please visit our website and help us continue building stronger, kinder and more connected communities.
