LOCAL INITIATIVES

Good causes across Stotfold, Beds, Hitchin and North Herts have the opportunity to submit applications to become a community group supported by shoppers at some of the borough's Co-op stores.

The Co-op uses its branches across the country to help connect with people and projects in the area. The Co-op Local Community Fund was created to help provide support and funding to local causes.  

When you buy selected Co-op products and services, 2p for every £1 you spend goes into your Co-op Membership account.

The Co-op will also give the same amount to support community organisations and local causes. 

Since 2016 Co-op members have helped raise £117 million which has been used to support around 7 million people across the UK. 

The Co-op is now calling community groups to apply for the next round of the Local Community Fund support, with applications now open.

They will be looking to support projects that:

Bring people together to access food

Help improve people's mental wellbeing

Create opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference

Enable people to save and restore nature or tackle climate change

You can find more information and apply for the Co-op Local Community Fund here: Co-op (coop.co.uk)

The deadline for applications is midnight on 11 June.

Co-op Membership helps support Co-op's national charity partners and Local Community Fund causes. See www.coop.co.uk/membership.