Faith in Families is celebrating an unforgettable evening after being named winner of the Making a Difference Award at the AU Vodka Swansea Life Awards, held at the Brangwyn Hall.
The Swansea Bay charity, which supports children, families and people facing poverty, crisis, trauma and isolation, was also chosen as the official charity for the evening. Thanks to the generosity of guests on the night, the Faith in Families team raised an incredible £2,270 through raffle ticket sales, with every penny helping the charity continue its vital work across Swansea Bay.
Representing Faith in Families on the night were Suzanne Baker, Community Impact Manager; Kayleigh Doidge, Child and Family Coordinator; Sharon Atkins, Chief Operating Officer; and Siany Martin, Fundraising Manager.
Faith in Families was shortlisted for the Making a Difference Award alongside two outstanding local organisations, Matthews House and Anxiety Support Wales. The charity said it was an honour to stand alongside fellow finalists who are also making a significant difference across the city.
Speaking after the win, the Faith in Families team said:
“Wow, thank you.
Firstly, congratulations to every finalist and nominee. Every organisation represented in that room is doing something amazing for Swansea, and that matters.
This award belongs to our staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, partners, and the families and people who trust us during some of life’s toughest moments.
At Faith in Families, we believe nobody should face poverty, crisis or trauma alone. Every day, we see what kindness, community and practical support can do.
This award is about more than one charity, it is about what happens when a city comes together to look after its own.
Thank you so much.”
Faith in Families works across Swansea Bay through its network of Community Cwtches, specialist child and family support projects, Inspiring Futures employability and confidence-building work, and Cwtch Mawr Multibank, Wales’ first multibank.
The charity provides safe community spaces, emotional support for children and young people, support into learning and work, and essential items such as clothing, bedding, toiletries, baby products and household goods to people who need them most.
For many families, Faith in Families is a lifeline. A parent may first come through the doors of a Community Cwtch for a toddler group, then receive support through a Cwtch Cubby, access one-to-one help for their child, join a course, volunteer, and eventually move forward with greater confidence and hope.
It is this connected support that makes the charity’s impact so powerful.
The Making a Difference Award recognises organisations creating real and lasting impact in their communities. For Faith in Families, the win is a moment of pride for everyone connected to the charity.
Siany Martin, Fundraising Manager at Faith in Families, said:
“To win this award, while also being the chosen charity on the night, was incredibly emotional. We were already so proud to be standing alongside Matthews House and Anxiety Support Wales, both of whom do amazing work in Swansea.
“This recognition means so much because it shines a light on the whole Faith in Families family, our teams in the Community Cwtches, our Cwtch Mawr Multibank staff and volunteers, our trustees, supporters, partners and everyone who helps us show up for people when they need us most.
“To raise £2,270 on the night was just phenomenal. That is Swansea showing up for Swansea. Every raffle ticket bought will help us continue supporting children and families facing incredibly difficult times.”
The evening also marked the return of the Swansea Life Awards to the city after a long break following the pandemic. The event was brought back by JR Events, led by Jess, Jamie and Isobel, alongside the wider JR Events team, in partnership with AU Vodka.
Faith in Families praised both organisations for creating a powerful celebration of Swansea’s people, businesses, charities and community spirit.
JR Events has become known for championing local causes and bringing people together through high-profile events that celebrate the very best of Swansea. AU Vodka, which began in Swansea and still has its headquarters in the city, has grown into a worldwide brand while continuing to proudly put Swansea on the map.
The Faith in Families team added:
“JR Events and AU Vodka didn’t just bring back an awards night, they brought back a celebration of Swansea.
“Jess, Jamie, Isobel and the whole JR Events team created something really special, and Tom and the team at AU Vodka showed once again how proud they are of their Swansea roots.
“It was a room full of businesses, charities, community leaders and people who care deeply about this city. To be part of that, and to be supported so generously as the chosen charity, was something we will never forget.”
The £2,270 raised on the night will go directly towards Faith in Families’ work supporting children, families and people across Swansea Bay.
This could help provide essentials for families under pressure, support children’s wellbeing, keep community spaces running, and ensure more people can access help with dignity when life feels overwhelming.
Faith in Families’ message is simple:
Nobody should have to face life’s toughest moments alone.
The charity says the award will help raise further awareness of its work and the growing need across Swansea Bay.
Siany Martin added:
“We see every day that people are struggling, but we also see what happens when communities come together. A bag of essentials, a safe space, a listening ear, support for a child, a chance to rebuild confidence, these things change lives.
“This award belongs to everyone who believes in kindness, community and Hugs Not Handouts. We are so proud, so thankful, and more determined than ever to keep making a difference.”
