Faith in Families has been shortlisted for The Family Support Award at the Children & Young People Now Awards 2026, recognising our work through Community Cwtches and Multibank Cymru.
This is another incredible moment for our charity, and one that means so much. The Children & Young People Now Awards celebrate innovation and outstanding practice across the children’s services sector. In their 20th anniversary year, they continue to shine a light on services supporting children, young people and families across the UK.
To be named a finalist in The Family Support Award category is a huge honour. It recognises the care, creativity and commitment shown every day by our teams, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters.
Most importantly, it reflects the trust families place in us.
Family Support Award recognition
Family support sits at the heart of Faith in Families.
Across Swansea Bay and beyond, we work with children, parents, carers and individuals who are facing poverty, crisis, trauma, isolation and disadvantage. Many families come to us when life feels overwhelming. Some need practical help. Others need connection, guidance, emotional support or simply a safe place to breathe.
Through our Community Cwtches, families can access warm, welcoming spaces where support feels human and without judgement. These spaces offer parent and toddler groups, play opportunities, outreach, training, volunteering, family support and connection.
At the same time, Multibank Cymru helps families access essentials such as clothing, toiletries, baby items, bedding, hygiene products and household goods. These items are distributed directly and through trusted referral partners, helping support reach people quickly and with dignity.
Together, these services create an ecosystem of care around families.
Support that starts with trust
At Faith in Families, we know family support is not just about one service or one appointment. It is about trust.
A parent may first come to us because they need nappies, wipes or clothing. While they are with us, they may be invited to stay for a group or have a cup of tea. Over time, that first small moment can become something bigger.
They may build friendships, access outreach support, join a training course or ask for help with housing, benefits, debt or safety at home. Their child may find a safe place to play, connect and feel valued.
That is why our approach matters.
We do not simply respond to crisis and step away. We walk alongside families, helping them feel seen, supported and less alone.
A whole-family approach
This nomination celebrates our whole-family approach.
Children do better when the adults around them feel supported too. So, our work reaches beyond immediate need. We support parents and carers to build confidence, reduce isolation and access the right help at the right time.
Our Community Cwtches offer safe spaces where relationships can grow. Our therapeutic support helps children process difficult experiences. Our outreach work helps families navigate practical challenges. Meanwhile, Multibank Cymru helps reduce pressure by providing essential items during times of hardship.
Because of this, families can access support in a way that feels joined-up, dignified and rooted in community.
It is not about doing things to people. It is about standing with them.
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 Family Support Award at the Children & Young People Now Awards 2026. This recognition means so much because family support is at the heart of who we are.Every day, our teams walk alongside children, parents, carers and individuals who are facing challenges no one should have to face alone. Whether that support starts with a warm welcome in a Community Cwtch, essential items through Multibank Cymru, or a conversation that helps someone feel heard, every moment matters.This shortlist belongs to our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters, but most of all it belongs to the families who trust us with their stories. They inspire us every day, and they are the reason we keep going.”
Celebrating children, families and community
Being shortlisted alongside other outstanding organisations across the UK is something we are incredibly proud of.
The finalists in The Family Support Award category include organisations delivering vital work for children, young people and families in many different ways. To stand alongside them is a real privilege.
For Faith in Families, this recognition is also a chance to highlight the pressures families are facing. Rising costs, poverty, poor housing, mental health challenges and trauma continue to affect too many children and parents.
However, we also see what becomes possible when support is rooted in community, dignity and relationships.
A warm welcome can reduce isolation. A bag of essentials can ease pressure. A trusted conversation can open the door to safety. A safe space can help a child feel valued.
These moments may seem small, but they can change the direction of a family’s story.
Thank you for standing with us
The winners of the Children & Young People Now Awards 2026 will be announced on Thursday 26th November at Novotel London West, Hammersmith.
Whatever happens on the night, being shortlisted for The Family Support Award is already a proud moment for everyone connected to Faith in Families.
Thank you to every family who trusts us, every partner who works alongside us, and every supporter who helps us continue this work.
If you would like to learn more about Faith in Families, support our Community Cwtches, or help Multibank Cymru reach more families, please explore our website and get involved.
Together, we can help children and families feel safe, supported and full of possibility.
