#cwtchmawr — Public Fediverse posts
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Cwtch Mawr multibank begins pilot expansion into Neath Port Talbot
Faith in Families says the expansion marks a significant step for the Swansea‑based project, which has been battling rising need by redistributing new, surplus goods from businesses to families struggling to afford the basics. The charity says it is now moving at speed to support more households across the county.
Five hubs have been chosen for the rollout — in Port Talbot, the Afan Valley, Neath, the Dulais Valley and Pontardawe. Faith in Families says each hub will receive clothing, toiletries, nappies and household essentials, ready to be passed on through trusted local organisations.
The charity says its vans are already being loaded, with deliveries expected to begin as soon as each hub gives the green light.
A rapid response to rising need
Faith in Families says the pilot will test how fast large volumes of essential goods can be moved across a wider area while keeping support rooted in local communities. The charity says the work forms part of a wider partnership known as NPT United, bringing together public services, charities and businesses to support families under pressure.
Jon Waite, Facilities and Development Manager at Faith in Families, said:
“This pilot is about working at pace while keeping things local and practical. We know there is real need across Neath Port Talbot, and by working with established community hubs we can get essential items to families quickly, through people they already know and trust. This trial will help us understand what works best on the ground and how we can build strong, joined‑up approaches going forward.”
Expanding a model built on speed and dignity
Faith in Families says the multibank model is designed to get essential goods to families without delay, paperwork or stigma. The charity says working through schools, community groups and frontline services ensures support reaches people through organisations they already trust.
Faith in Families says the Neath Port Talbot pilot will help shape how the model can be expanded further across Wales, with the aim of making sure no family goes without the basics.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
New and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank opens in Swansea
A major expansion of the Swansea hub, boosting capacity to support families across the region.Local multibank helping over 120,000 people each year gets £30K cash boost
Funding support to help the multibank meet rising demand for essential goods.New charity initiative already supporting thousands
Early coverage of the multibank model as it began delivering essentials to families in need.Virgin Media O2 donates hundreds of smartphones and free data to Swansea’s Cwtch Mawr Multibank
#AfanValley #clothing #costOfLiving #CwtchMawr #DulaisValley #FaithInFamilies #householdItems #Multibank #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #PortTalbot #surplusStock #toiletries
A major tech donation helping families stay connected during rising cost pressures. -
Virgin Media O2 donates hundreds of smartphones and free data to Swansea’s Cwtch Mawr Multibank
Hundreds of people in Swansea facing financial hardship will be able to stay connected this winter thanks to a donation of smartphones and free O2 mobile data from Virgin Media O2.
The devices have been handed to Cwtch Mawr Multibank, the city’s one‑stop shop for essential non‑food items, which is run by Faith in Families. The scheme, set up by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, already provides clothing, furniture and toys — and now connectivity has been added to the list.
Targeted support for those most in need
Community leaders across Swansea are working with health professionals and schools to identify who needs the phones and data most. Recipients include people who have been made redundant, young people leaving care, refugees, and survivors of domestic abuse.
With a working phone and data, people can book medical appointments, apply for jobs, access training, manage housing applications, and stay in touch with loved ones.
Jakob, who received a smartphone through the scheme, said:
“When I was in temporary housing, I didn’t have a phone or internet, which made things really tough. Now I can use GPS to find my way around, learn more about the area, and I feel a lot safer knowing I can reach out for help if I need it.”
Backed by leaders
Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said the company was proud to support Swansea’s Multibank:
“We know how important it is to have access to the internet. This partnership is helping to put phones and mobile data into the hands of people who really need it.”
Jonathan Waite, Facility and Development Manager at Faith in Families, added:
“Without a phone or data, people are effectively cut off from the support around them. For survivors of domestic abuse and those in temporary accommodation, having a safe, reliable phone can mean control, safety and independence at the moment they need it most.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, welcomed the initiative, calling it “much needed digital solidarity.”
And former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who is President of The Multibank, said:
“Having access to the internet is now as essential as electricity, water and gas. Virgin Media O2’s partnership will boost digital wellbeing and social inclusion, bringing hope to where it’s needed most.”
Tackling digital exclusion
The donation is part of Virgin Media O2’s pledge to hand over up to 12,000 devices in 2025 through its Community Calling programme with charity Hubbub. Phones are sourced from the company’s supply chain, tackling electronic waste while helping those who can’t afford devices or data.
It builds on wider efforts to tackle digital exclusion, including the National Databank, which provides free O2 data, and social tariffs for broadband and mobile customers on benefits.
Related stories: Cwtch Mawr Multibank
New and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank opens in Swansea
Faith in Families officially opens its larger warehouse in Swansea Vale, boosting support for families in crisis.Swansea Multibank campaigns to combat child hygiene poverty
Drive launched to ensure children return to school with dignity and confidence.Local Multibank helping 120,000 people a year gets £30K boost
Funding injection supports expansion of essential non-food donations across South West Wales.New charity initiative already supporting thousands
Families, care leavers and those hit by the cost of living crisis benefit from Swansea’s Multibank.Swansea project provides over 62,000 essential items
Cwtch Mawr delivers clothing, furniture and essentials to struggling households across the city.#CwtchMawr #digitalExclusion #FaithInFamilies #GordonBrown #JaneHuttMS #MobilePhone #Multibank #Swansea #VirginMediaO2