Support positive futures by going BIG for Barnardo’s

Last year, we launched our charity partnership with Barnardo’s to bring communities together to support young people. Co-op Members, colleagues and customers have helped us raise an amazing £2.5m – halfway to our target! 

Supporting young people across the UK 

Only 62% of young people feel positive about the future*. Supporting young people is a big part of our vision and we’re aiming to raise £5m to support the positive futures of 750,000 young people across the UK.  

Because of funds already raised, our partnership is developing online support that will reach into all communities but, is also delivering in depth support in the communities that need it most. All co-produced with young people, such as: 

The Young Brent Centre 

The Young Brent Centre offers weekly and holiday activities focussed on open discussions for young people about wellbeing, cooking and life skills across North London. All helping young people try new things. 

“We’re delivering different activities that focus on wellbeing, access to basic needs, and improving young people’s opportunities. Providing this is so important for young people in the area – it’s a place where they can come, be themselves, be among other young people like them, and support their own positive futures.” – Robyn Dunn, Children’s Services Manager in Brent 

Plymouth Change Markers 

A group of Plymouth teenagers are helping combat food waste in the heart of their community by setting up free cooking classes using surplus food. 

Young carer Scarlet, 15, is one of a group of teenagers that helped co-design Plymouth Change Makers, a service supporting young people to make positive changes. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Co-op colleagues, members and customers, Take Away Tuesdays, is open to 10 to 25-year-olds at free drop-in sessions across the Plymouth area. 

“A lot of young people are worried about food at the moment,” said Scarlet. “When we were designing this service, we spoke to over 100 other young people, and lots of them said that they didn’t get much food because of the cost-of-living crisis.” 

15-year-old Lilli, who also helped co-design the project, added: “There’s a lot of stigma around being poor and not being able to feed yourself, even when it’s not your fault. People get bullied for using food banks. It’s harsh, but it happens all the time.” 

Plymouth Change Makers hopes to remove some of these barriers in the community and be open to any young person. The project will offer vital wellbeing support and opportunities while helping to maintain a healthier living environment and use ingredients that would otherwise go to landfill. 

Go BIG for Barnardo’s 

Help us hit our £5m target by either donating at till instore or online. Or pick up a pack of Haggen Daz’ ‘mini joys collection, as 50p per pack is being donated to our partnership. Over £370,000 has been raised by our suppliers for the partnership, such as Cadbury, Galaxy, Hallmark, McCains, McVities, Nuii, Pot Noodle, Walls and of course, Haagen Dazs. 

If you or someone you know needs support or to find out more about the partnership, visit coop.co.uk/SupportYoungPeople  

* ‘Youth Opportunities Tracker: Fairer Futures’ – Co-op and Barnardo’s, May 2023