Supporting communities isn’t just for Christmas – it’s something we do all year round

Co-op Members play an incredibly important role in delivering our vision – ‘Co-operating for a fairer world’. One of the main ways they do this is through our Co-op Local Community Fund. Over the past five years, our members have supported more than 25,000 local causes, all working to make our communities fairer.

Since 2016, with the help of our members, we’ve raised £100 million to support local communities across the UK.

Director of community and shared value, Rebecca Birkbeck, looks at how funding raised by Co-op Members and customers is making a difference across the UK in 2021.

It’s been another incredible year for our Local Community Fund, which continues to improve the lives of so many people. We hear directly from our causes about how tough the last couple of years has been, how they’ve needed support more than ever and how Co-op Members have enabled them to continue their fantastic work. It’s a real honour to share some of their stories.

Supporting young people with the skills and opportunities they need

The Edinburgh Food Social initiative equips young people in Edinburgh with skills to work in the food and drink sector. With our support, the brilliant team at Edinburgh Food Social helps those most at risk of unemployment and isolation, providing them with cooking skills and education on local, sustainable food. They also work to develop an understanding of people’s career goals, and help in building the skills to achieve them. The Local Community Fund, with support from Co-op Members, has raised over £3,500 for the Edinburgh Food Social.

Supporting mental wellbeing in frontline workers 

Frontline workers have played an indispensable role throughout the pandemic, and the pressure placed on them has taken its toll on their mental wellbeing. Recognising this, our members have donated funds to Stable Lives in Wigan, a cause that provides a place of solace for those affected by mental trauma. Historically, the charity focused on supporting military veterans, blue light workers and children, but now its services have been expanded to include frontline key workers. Over £6,000 has been raised by Co-op Members to support this community mission.

Helping young people get the skills and opportunities they need

Young people are amongst those most impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, with 43% reporting higher levels of anxiety since it began. We’re supporting charities like Mahdlo Youth Zone in its provision of round-the-clock assistance for the young people of Oldham and surrounding areas. Mahdlo’s qualified youth workers host weekly health and wellbeing workshops to help support emotional wellbeing, social skills and raising aspirations. Co-op Members raised over £4,000 supporting even more young people in the local area.

Wondering how you can get involved?

Co-op Members have raised £100 million to support communities across the UK. Become a Co-op Member and make a difference in your area when you choose Co-op. As a Co-op Member, you can select which local causes you’d like to support, and receive special deals for yourself through the Co-op app.

Before 30 November 2021, as a Co-op Member, if you buy Scalini Prosecco, 75cl (£6), and/or Fox’s Fabulously, 500g (£3), we’ll donate £1 from each bottle or box sold to the Co-op Local Community Fund.

You can also get involved in events and activities in your local community. Co-operate, our online community centre, has everything that is happening locally to you. There’s no shortage of events across the country for all ages – including children – such as Walk and Talk in Eastbourne, Adapt Youth Inclusive Dance in Plymouth, All People Active Friday Football in Milton Keynes, and hundreds more!