Child poverty is one of the biggest issues facing Swansea today, and it is becoming harder for families to manage the basics. At Faith in Families, we see this every day across our Community Cwtches and through Cwtch Mawr, Wales’s first Multibank. That’s why partnerships really matter. And this week, as Veeqo an Amazon company, opened its brand-new headquarters at the 71/72 Kingsway office scheme in Swansea city centre, we joined them to celebrate a business that is proving child poverty is everyone’s business.
The new space, developed by Swansea Council and part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, reflects Veeqo’s long-term commitment to the city and its people. CEO Cherrie Bija, Fundraising Manager Siany Martin and Cwtch Mawr Manager Jon Waite attended the launch, standing alongside the Veeqo team who have been a powerful force in helping families across the city.
Why the Veeqo Partnership Matters
From the beginning, Veeqo has understood that tackling child poverty takes more than words. It takes shared responsibility, compassion, and practical action. Their commitment to Cwtch Mawr shows what can happen when a local business leans in, uses its strengths, and becomes part of a wider community solution.
Child poverty in Wales is at the highest rate of any UK nation. One in three children is growing up without the essentials many take for granted. This inequality is especially visible in Swansea, where too many families are still struggling to afford basics like clothing, school supplies and household items.
That is why this partnership matters because Veeqo is helping remove barriers that hold children back.
Real Impact That Families Can Feel
Over the past year, Veeqo’s support has helped transform how quickly and efficiently essential items reach families, while keeping dignity at the heart of everything we do.
Last year Veeqo:
Raised £35,000 to fund a Brighter Futures staff member
Packed 2,000 school backpacks, helping children start the year confidently and prepared
This year they went even further:
Organised 1,000 summer activity kits
Picked and packed 200 cooking kits
Completed 1,000 more school backpacks
In total, more than £34,000 worth of essential products were distributed across Swansea families at no cost, easing pressure, lifting worries and helping children feel supported.
It’s a level of consistency and care that makes a tangible difference for families who often feel forgotten.
Volunteering That Goes Beyond the Numbers
Veeqo’s volunteers have contributed 150 hours of hands-on support this year alone. If valued at minimum wage, this equals nearly £2,000 of donated time. But the true value is much more than that.
Their time shows compassion.
Their teamwork shows solidarity.
Their presence strengthens our Multibank, helping families receive essentials quickly and reliably.
This is what it looks like when a business becomes part of a collaboration of compassion, where everyone wins because no one is left behind.
Cwtch Mawr: A New Way of Tackling Poverty in Wales
The Wales Multibank Cwtch Mawr, brings together surplus goods, community need and local charities to create a practical, dignified and scalable solution to poverty. Since March 2024, it has delivered more than 1 million essential items, generating over £28 million in social value.
Veeqo’s systems, expertise and staff have been central to making this possible. They’ve strengthened logistics, boosted capacity, and helped us respond faster when families need support.
Because of partnerships like this, families across Swansea are receiving the essentials that help them feel safe, secure and ready to thrive.
Celebrating a Swansea Business Leading the Way
The opening of Veeqo’s new headquarters is a milestone for local business, but it also marks a milestone for community collaboration.
As Cherrie Bija shared at the event:
“Child poverty is everyone’s business. Real change happens when communities come together, charities, public services, businesses and families all taking shared responsibility for the wellbeing of our children.”
Veeqo is showing what this looks like in action: leadership, kindness and a commitment to the people of Swansea.
We are incredibly proud to stand alongside them.
A Call to Welsh Businesses
If you’re a business in Wales and want to join this collaboration of compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Together we can build practical solutions that lift families, support communities and shape a brighter future for children across Swansea Bay.
📩 Get in touch: Contact Faith in Families
🌐 Learn more about Cwtch Mawr on our website.
