Members discover the difference they make at our Co-op’s Right By You events

Our Member Activators supported more than 100 Co-op’s Right By You events across the UK in September, bringing members together to highlight the difference they make by choosing Co-op.

Members discovered the impact of their everyday choices, learned about the positive change they’re helping to create and explored actions they can take to make an even bigger difference in their communities.

By working together with members, who help shape what we stand for, we can make sure that every time you shop at Co-op, we do right by you. Held in-store and in community settings, we’ve picked some of the highlights to give you a taste of what these events are all about.

Rooting for British farmers

A game for younger members, with British-grown cauliflowers as prizes, sparked conversations about where food comes from and the value of supporting British farmers, local growers and Fairtrade products at an in-store event hosted by Anna Chesnutt, Member Activator for Luton, Beds and Milton Keynes.

At the Goldington store event, members also learned that every time they buy a Co-op compostable carrier bag, they are helping the Co-op Foundation support opportunities for young people. A representative from Greensand Community Energy shared advice on saving energy, reducing bills and improving efficiency to help with the cost of living.

The event showed how small everyday decisions can create positive environmental and social impact.

Strengthening communities by choosing Co-op

Heather Saunders, Member Activator for Norfolk and Suffolk, brought members together in her community to celebrate the range of British-sourced produce available at Co-op.

Supported by a community donation from the Dereham store, the monthly Love Dereham Community Meal featured Co-op British pork sausages, vegetables and fresh strawberries and cream.

Heather introduced the products and shared where they came from, while interactive placemats helped members learn more about the food on their plates.

British sourced bingo encouraged discussion, with members sharing their own knowledge and experiences. It also got them talking about sourcing and sustainability and how their everyday choices make a difference.

Opportunities for young people

Anwen Evans, Member Activator for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, attended the University of Wales Welcome Fair at Trinity College in Carmarthen to help young people understand the benefits and opportunities available through Co-op Membership.

Many students were already Co-op Member-owners and learned more about using the Co-op App for offers, delivery and click and collect. They were also introduced to causes and initiatives supported through Co-op, including the Green Opportunities Fund and Fairtrade.

Students gained a better understanding of how to get value from their membership, support causes they care about and play a more active role in shaping Co-op activity within their university community.

On your corner, in your corner

A stall outside the New Ollerton Funeralcare branch offering free samples of our Fairtrade chocolate and limited-edition popcorn gave Laura Pepper, Member Activator for Derbyshire, North and North West Nottinghamshire, the opportunity to chat with those in her local community.

One member-owner started discussing Fairtrade products and ended up talking about their local church’s involvement in Fairtrade Fortnight before they shared their positive experience of Co-op Funeralcare supporting their parents’ funerals. This led to a request for an appointment to discuss a pre-paid funeral plan.

The interaction demonstrated the value of meeting members where they are. A simple conversation helped a member discover more about Fairtrade, access Funeralcare support and understand a current membership benefit.

Creating positive change locally

Bringing Co-op Funeralcare into the heart of the local community was the aim for Penny Chinery, Member Activator for Hampshire South East and West Sussex Coast, at the Portchester Wellbeing Gala.

Conversations covered support available through Co-op Funeralcare, the benefits of membership and how members can make a positive difference locally. The Rainbow Centre, a current Co-op Local Community Fund cause, also highlighted the impact members are making in their community simply by choosing to support it.

The event demonstrated the importance of being present and accessible in local communities. Every conversation helped members discover more about Co-op, access support and see how their membership creates positive change locally.

Celebrate a decade of making a difference

Now you’ve heard more about our events, join us at an event in October or November to discover more about the impact you make through your membership as we celebrate a decade of making a difference.

You can also find out more about our Member Activators or contact the Member Activator in your region through our online directory.