Tens of thousands of ways people in need being helped

MORE than 700,000 items of new household essentials have been distributed to children, young people, families and individuals in and around Swansea struggling with the cost of living by a charity initiative that is a first for Wales.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Cwtch Mawr is Wales's first Multibank setup to provide surplus essential new goods to those who need them.

These include clothing, hygiene products and essential household items such as kettles, utensils, cups and bedding.

Led by Swansea charity Faith in Families with support from Amazon and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Swansea Council became the first council to be a founding partner of a Multibank anywhere in the UK. Cwtch Mawr opened last year in a warehouse secured by the council but has since expanded into larger premises with the support of Welsh Government.

Council cabinet members visited this week to see progress as the council’s involvement with Cwtch Mawr has seen it shortlisted for the Best Collaborative Working initiative at this year’s APSE Awards (Association for Public Service Excellence).