Faith in Families has been shortlisted for Medium Charity of the Year at the Third Sector Awards 2026, recognising the impact of our work with children, families and communities across Swansea Bay and Wales.
This is a huge honour for everyone connected to Faith in Families. To be recognised at a UK-wide awards ceremony is an incredible moment, especially in a category that celebrates charities making a real and lasting difference.
The winners will be announced at the Third Sector Awards Ceremony on Friday 11th September 2026 at the London Hilton Park Lane.
Medium Charity of the Year recognition
Being shortlisted for Medium Charity of the Year means so much because it recognises the strength of our whole organisation.
Faith in Families has been rooted in Swansea Bay communities since 1999. Over the years, our work has grown, but our purpose has stayed the same. We are here to support children, families and individuals facing poverty, crisis, trauma, isolation and disadvantage.
Through our Community Cwtches, we provide safe, welcoming spaces where people can access practical help, emotional support and trusted relationships. Families can join parent and toddler groups, access outreach support, take part in play opportunities, receive therapeutic support, or simply find a warm place where they feel less alone.
Alongside this, Cwtch Mawr Multibank Cymru provides essential items to people experiencing hardship. These include clothing, toiletries, baby essentials, bedding, hygiene products and household goods. Support is delivered directly and through trusted charity and community partners, making sure help reaches people with dignity.
A whole charity effort
This shortlist place reflects much more than one project or one moment.
It recognises the staff who show up every day with care and determination. It celebrates volunteers who give their time so generously. It honours our trustees, partners, supporters and funders, who help make the work possible.
Most importantly, it belongs to the children, families and individuals who trust us with their stories. Their strength, honesty and courage shape our work every day.
At Faith in Families, we believe support should never feel cold, complicated or judgemental. So, we build relationships first. We meet people where they are, and we offer help in a way that feels human.
That might mean a parent coming to us for nappies and later joining a group. It could be a family receiving essentials during a crisis, then accessing longer-term support. Or it may be a child finding a safe space to play, talk and feel valued.
Small moments can open the door to bigger 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 Medium Charity of the Year at the Third Sector Awards. This recognition belongs to every person who makes our charity what it is, our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, funders, supporters and the communities who stand alongside us.It also belongs to every child, family and individual who has trusted us enough to let us be part of their journey. Their voices, experiences and hopes are at the heart of everything we do.This shortlist is a reminder that community-led support matters. It shows what can happen when people work together around a shared belief that nobody should face poverty, crisis or trauma alone.”
Why this matters
Awards are never the reason we do the work. However, recognition like this helps shine a light on the challenges facing families across our communities.
Many people are struggling with rising costs, poor housing, mental health pressures, isolation and the long-term impact of trauma. Because of this, early support is more important than ever.
Faith in Families works to meet immediate need while also creating routes into longer-term support. Practical help matters, but so does connection. A bag of essentials can bring relief, but a trusted relationship can change what happens next.
That is why our model brings together Community Cwtches, Cwtch Mawr Multibank Cymru, therapeutic support, outreach, volunteering, training and partnership working.
Together, these services create an ecosystem of care around people when they need it most.
Thank you for standing with us
We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for Medium Charity of the Year at the Third Sector Awards 2026.
Whatever happens on the night, this recognition already means so much. It reflects the compassion, commitment and community spirit behind Faith in Families.
Thank you to every person who has supported our journey, whether through volunteering, fundraising, donating, partnering with us, or simply cheering us on.
If you would like to learn more about our work, support Faith in Families, or get involved, please explore our website and help us continue building stronger, kinder and more connected communities.
