Faith in Families is proud to celebrate being named Third Sector Awards Highly Commended for Medium Charity of the Year 2026, recognising the impact of our work with children, families and communities across Swansea Bay and Wales.
This recognition is a huge moment for everyone connected to Faith in Families. To be shortlisted on a UK-wide stage was already an incredible honour, but to receive Highly Commended recognition makes us even prouder.
The announcement was made at the Third Sector Awards Ceremony on Friday 11th September 2026 at the London Hilton Park Lane. It was a night to celebrate charities making a real difference every day, often in the toughest circumstances.
Third Sector Awards Highly Commended recognition
Being named Third Sector Awards Highly Commended for Medium Charity of the Year means so much.
This recognition celebrates the strength of our whole organisation. It is not about one project, one person or one moment. It is about the care, commitment and community spirit that runs through everything we do.
Faith in Families has been rooted in Swansea Bay communities since 1999. Since then, our work has grown, but our purpose has stayed the same. We support children, families and people 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 support, or simply find a warm place where they feel less alone.
Alongside this, Faith in Families Cwtch Mawr Multibank Cymru provides essential items to people experiencing hardship. These include clothing, toiletries, baby essentials, bedding, hygiene products and household goods.
A proud moment for the whole charity
This recognition belongs to everyone who makes Faith in Families what it is.
It belongs to the staff who show up every day with care and determination. It belongs to our volunteers, who give their time and energy so generously. It also belongs to our trustees, partners, supporters and funders, who help make this work possible.
Most importantly, it belongs to the children, families and people 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.
Sometimes, that starts with a bag of essentials. Other times, it starts with a conversation, a group, a child finding a safe space, or a parent feeling able to ask for help.
Small moments can open the door to bigger change.
A message from Cherrie Bija
Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, said:
“Being named Highly Commended for Medium Charity of the Year at the Third Sector Awards is a huge honour for Faith in Families. To be recognised on a UK-wide stage means so much, and we are incredibly proud of this moment. This recognition belongs to our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, funders, supporters and the communities who stand alongside us. Most importantly, it belongs to every child, family and individual who has trusted us enough to let us be part of their journey. Awards are never why we do this work, but moments like this help shine a light on why community-led support matters.”
Why this recognition matters
Awards are never the reason we do the work. However, being named Third Sector Awards Highly Commended 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 matters more 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 work brings together Community Cwtches, Cwtch Mawr Multibank Cymru, therapeutic support, outreach, volunteering, training and partnership working.
Together, these services create a network of care around people when they need it most.
Thank you for standing with us
We are incredibly proud to have been named Third Sector Awards Highly Commended for Medium Charity of the Year 2026.
This recognition reflects the compassion, commitment and community spirit behind Faith in Families. It shows what can happen when people work together around one shared belief; nobody should have to face life’s toughest moments alone.
Thank you to every person who has supported our journey. Whether you volunteer, fundraise, donate, partner with us, refer people, or simply cheer us on, you are part of this story.
To learn more about our work, support Faith in Families, or get involved, visit our website and help us continue building stronger, kinder and more connected communities.
You can see the full list of winners and finalists HERE
