Latest news with #FaithinFamilies
Business News Wales
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
New Cwtch Mawr Multibank Warehouse Opens in Swansea
Faith in Families Swansea has officially opened the doors to its new and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank warehouse in Swansea Vale. Cwtch Mawr, launched in 2024, is Wales' first Multibank — a community hub that redistributes brand new surplus goods from businesses directly to families in need. The project is led by Faith in Families, a Swansea-based charity, and forms part of the wider UK Multibank initiative co-founded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Amazon. The new facility will significantly increase capacity and allow for wider reach, building on a model that has already supported tens of thousands of families with essential goods such as clothing, toiletries, bedding, school uniforms, and household items. Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, said: 'Families are facing pressures every day. Rising costs, limited support, and hard choices no one should have to make. We built Cwtch Mawr because the need was clear, and now we've expanded it because the demand continues to grow. This new space means we can do more: more stock, more reach, more impact. We're also in active talks with Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire councils to explore how this model could benefit more communities across South Wales. From the start, Gordon Brown and Amazon backed this idea, not with just words, but with real commitment. It's taken a wide network of support to make this happen; and we're just getting started.' The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, who attended the opening alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said: 'Cwtch Mawr is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together with compassion and a shared commitment to help those in need. I'm proud to back its expansion, so it can continue changing more lives for the better. While we celebrate this success, we must also acknowledge the growing demand it meets, and the urgent need to tackle poverty at its roots. That's why we will have invested nearly £7 billion between 2022 and 2026 to reduce costs and maximise incomes for Welsh families. Our child poverty strategy sets out how we'll use all of our powers to meet our ambitious goals and support those who need it most.' John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon, said: 'It's incredible to see the positive impact that Cwtch Mawr is having on communities in South Wales. The new facility in Swansea demonstrates what's possible when businesses and community organisations unite with a clear mission. My thanks go to our partners, including Faith in Families and my incredible Amazon colleagues, for their continued work in supporting the Multibank.' Jon Waite, Cwtch Mawr's Warehouse Manager, added: 'We know exactly where every box goes and more importantly, why it matters. Whether it's a quilt for a child who's been sleeping with just a sheet or clean school uniform for a family in crisis, this warehouse exists to get the right things to the right people at the right time.' Cwtch Mawr, meaning 'Big Hug' in Welsh, was established in early 2024 with funding from the Welsh Government and support from partners including Swansea Council, Pobl Housing, the Moondance Foundation, Beacon Cymru, Caredig and Swansea Bay University Health Board. It now operates as a regional hub of support, working with over 116 community partners, charities and professionals to respond quickly and discreetly to growing need.
Business News Wales
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Swansea Bay Business Club Launches Art Auction to Help Local Families
Swansea Bay Business Club is calling on people to get creative this summer as part of its new inclusive art auction to raise money for children and families facing challenges such as poverty, crisis and trauma. The 'Stories of Swansea Bay Inclusive Art Auction' invites people of all skill levels – from seasoned professionals to complete beginners – to create and donate a piece of art with the theme of 'Stories of Swansea Bay'. Artwork can be in any form, from painting, prints and photography to sculpture, tapestry and pottery and more. Running throughout the summer, photos of all submitted art pieces will be uploaded to an online auction website. The auction will end on October 2nd with all funds raised going directly to Swansea-based charity, Faith in Families, which provides vital support for children and families in need including their Community Cwtches and Cwtch Mawr Multibank. Showing his support for the cause is renowned local artist, Dave Marchant, founder of Bulljam Gallery in Mumbles. Known for his expressive oil paintings of the Gower coastline and atmospheric landscapes, Dave has donated an original work, which is inspired by his deep connection to the Swansea coastline, to the auction. He said: 'When I was approached to take part in the auction, it was a no-brainer. Many of my pieces are based on reality versus idealism, and quite often we overlook what's happening on our doorstep. Money raised will go towards providing the basics for children within our communities, including many basic things we all take for granted like soap, toothpaste and clothing, so I'd urge anyone to get involved.' However, the auction is not just for established artists – anyone with a creative spark is encouraged to get involved and artwork can be submitted anonymously if preferred. Whether a contribution sells for £1 or £1,000, every piece will help to provide essentials like soap, toothpaste, and clothing to families in need right here in Swansea. Amy Seppman, President of Swansea Bay Business Club, said: 'We're truly honoured to have Dave's involvement. His artwork captures the spirit of our coastline and community and having him join this inclusive initiative sends a powerful message: art can transform lives. 'So far, we've raised an incredible £45,000 for Faith in Families with the help of our Club members, guests and local people. This has seen us take on a variety of challenges including climbing the Welsh Three Peaks, running the Swansea Half Marathon, cycling from Fishguard to London, and miles of 'netwalking'. This challenge looks slightly different and is bringing people together for a great cause, giving everyone the opportunity to not only create some artwork but to also own a piece of Swansea Bay artwork for their home or office.' Siany Martin, Fundraising Manager at Faith in Families, added: 'This art auction is a perfect example of how Swansea Bay Business Club is using creativity and community spirit to make a real difference. Their support throughout the year has been nothing short of transformative – each event, initiative and challenge has brought us closer to creating safer, more hopeful futures for children and families across Swansea. We're incredibly grateful to everyone taking part, and to artists like Dave Marchant for donating their time and work to make a difference.' To take part in the Stories of Swansea Bay Inclusive Art Auction, email There will be a £10 donation required per piece, payable to Faith in Families to cover admin costs. Submissions can be completed and delivered to Cwtch Mawr Multibank (Unit B1, Olympus Court, Mill Stream Way, Swansea Vale, Swansea, SA7 OAG) between 1st July and 1st September, with the online auction running from 1st August until Thursday 2nd October.
