Thousands of people have already benefited from a new charitable effort that was introduced in Swansea last month, including young people transitioning out of foster care and families and individuals dealing with the challenge of rising living expenses.

Wales’s first multi-bank establishment, Cwtch Mawr, was created to give new surplus necessary items to people in need. Cwtch Mawr, which translates to “Big Hug” in English, is the first Multibank in Wales. It is a community donations hub that provides assistance to Swansea families who are struggling with poverty.

Driven by the Swansea nonprofit organisation Faith in Families, it has backing from Amazon as well as former UK prime minister Gordon Brown. In addition to helping to acquire the warehouse it uses for operations, Swansea Council is one of the original funding partners.

Cwtch Mawr has helped about 10,000 distinct people thus far. This comprises 124 individuals, 56 families, and 66 youth who receive direct support from Swansea Council.

Photo: Faith in Families website

Care leavers moving into their first homes are among those who have benefited thus far.

“I just moved into my new flat and had nothing,” one person stated. I can now use my money to personalise my home and have the necessary start-up things.”

Another said: “Cwtch Mawr provided extras that I wouldn’t have been able to afford, but I have access to help with my first home.” It’s difficult to leave behind the care and assistance that ends when you become eighteen.”

Donated by companies such as Amazon, the excess necessities offered comprise school uniforms, warm clothing, toiletries, and bedding.

The brand-new, never-used items are donated to nonprofit organisations and carers who then provide them to those in need when they need them.

Swansea cabinet members went to the warehouse this week to check on its progress as it continues to expand.

“We have heard stories from care leavers who have been supported into their new homes,” council leader Rob Stewart stated.

“A young person who has received new clothes to wear both inside and outside of school has expressed their sincere gratitude for the positive impact it has had on their wellness and self-esteem.

“A further instance involves a man who, for the first time in his memory, has a coat.

“While many people take these items for granted, many others find them to be costly or simply out of reach during the current crisis in the cost of living.

“I’m incredibly happy that Swansea Council was among the first financing partners to recognise the potential for our city to host Wales’s first multi-bank.

“The aim is to donate more than 300,000 surplus essential goods to 40,000 families in poverty this year and Cwtch Mawr is on track to achieve this.”

Gordon Brown and Amazon co-founded the third multibank in the United Kingdom, Cwtch Mawr. A second Multibank location opened in Wigan, Greater Manchester, in 2023, after the first one in Fife, Scotland, debuted in 2022.