Blogs : community

Posted by James Brindle | 14/06/2021 | Category: Community

Annual Central England Co-op Summer Food Bank Appeal aims to support those impacted by holiday hunger in its communities.

Posted by James Brindle | 04/06/2021 | Category: Community

The partnership will create a range of different 'eco' spaces on land around the Society's retail stores and funeral homes.

Posted by James Brindle | 22/02/2021 | Category: Community

New Central England Co-op store opens in Ely Road, Sutton after investment of £2.2 million.

Posted by James Brindle | 01/02/2021 | Category: Community

New images show the progress of the new store in Ely Road, Sutton, set to open on February 19.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 10/12/2020 | Category: Community

Plans outlined to help the community, customers and members.

Posted by James Brindle | 20/11/2020 | Category: Community

New Reepham Central England Co-op community food store opens its doors following £500k investment.

Posted by James Brindle | 19/10/2020 | Category: Community

Central England Co-op is launching a special toy appeal to help spread some joy this Christmas.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 06/08/2020 | Category: Community

Thanks to our customers and Members for their support

Posted by Rob Smyth | 10/07/2020 | Category: Community

Donations hit 10,000 in just one week

Posted by Rob Smyth | 03/07/2020 | Category: Community

New-look Community Dividend Fund launched to help those impacted by COVID-19

Posted by Rob Smyth | 18/06/2020 | Category: Community

Join us for a look back on our first-ever online Annual Members' Meeting

Posted by Rob Smyth | 18/03/2020 | Category: Community

We are hosting an urgent food bank appeal, starting a major recruitment drive, donating to FareShare Midlands and launching an online hub to update our customers.

Posted by Stephanie Forrester | 25/02/2020 | Category: Community

Join us at one of over 120 Time for a Cuppa events to raise funds for Dementia UK

Posted by Rob Smyth | 04/02/2020 | Category: Community

This Valentine's Day we are encouraging customers and members to support someone in need.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 28/01/2020 | Category: Community

Scarlett Sellars was 'over the moon' to get her toy monkey Maggie back.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 16/01/2020 | Category: Community

Grants were handed out to good causes in Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and the West Midlands.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 26/12/2019 | Category: Community

Grants were handed out to good causes in Derbyshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Northants, West Midlands, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire and Yorkshire.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 13/12/2019 | Category: Community

A total of 20 good causes will now hand them out in time for Christmas

Posted by Rob Smyth | 09/12/2019 | Category: Community

Charities in Derby, Burton, Northamptonshire and Lowestoft will each out 50 winter survival kits to people in need this winter.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 22/10/2019 | Category: Community

Collections will be held throughout November across Central England Co-op Food Stores, Funeral, Travel and Floral sites.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 08/10/2019 | Category: Community

Grants were handed out to good causes in Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Kettering, Leicester, Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 02/10/2019 | Category: Community

Nearly 4,500 meals a day are created as a result of the link-up with FareShare East Midlands.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 11/09/2019 | Category: Community

Kind-hearted customers and members help our efforts to combat holiday hunger

Posted by Rob Smyth | 08/07/2019 | Category: Community

Find out the latest from our Community Dividend Fund

Posted by Rob Smyth | 26/06/2019 | Category: Community

Please support our Summer Food Bank Appeal

Posted by Rob Smyth | 23/05/2019 | Category: Community

We are proud of work to enhance the areas we trade for our communities.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 24/04/2019 | Category: Community

A total of 32,000 items were donated by customers and members.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 03/04/2019 | Category: Community

Groups across the area have shared in the latest payout.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 28/02/2019 | Category: Community

Customers and members dig deep to support our food banks in 2018.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 09/01/2019 | Category: Community

The fund has helped causes from Leicestershire to Suffolk.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 02/01/2019 | Category: Community

The food and various other items have helped create over 30,000 meals during the festive period.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 12/12/2018 | Category: Community

Our Community Dividend Fund has helped 152 groups in 2018.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 06/12/2018 | Category: Community

BrightKidz is using its Community Dividend Fund grant to help youngsters learn about road safety in Kettering.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/11/2018 | Category: Community

We hope to collect over 70,000 items in five weeks to help support our food bank partners

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/10/2018 | Category: Community

We have helped a range of good causes from schools to charities.

Posted by Stephanie Forrester | 18/09/2018 | Category: Community

Find out where you can join our colleagues for coffee and cake and fundraise for Macmillan.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 07/09/2018 | Category: Community

Our holiday hunger campaign has been a big success this summer

Posted by Rob Smyth | 13/08/2018 | Category: Community

Castle Park Food Store links up with East Staffordshire Family Support Service to create food bank partnership

Posted by Rob Smyth | 06/08/2018 | Category: Community

Our Community Dividend Fund has helped over 20 groups across Derbyshire

Posted by Rob Smyth | 01/08/2018 | Category: Community

Colleagues, customers and members help raise over £780,000 for Dementia UK

Posted by Rob Smyth | 12/07/2018 | Category: Community

Summer Food Bank Appeal has had over 50,000 items donated but needs people to continue to support the vital campaign

Posted by Rob Smyth | 06/07/2018 | Category: Community

We have helped 40 project as part of our latest Community Dividend Fund payout.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 25/06/2018 | Category: Community

The Society has linked up with South Derbyshire Mental Health Association to help homeless people get an early morning boost.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 22/06/2018 | Category: Community

Youngsters Edward Bancroft and Edward Rafferty talk about how chill out room has made a major impact at Long Eaton School

Posted by Rob Smyth | 18/06/2018 | Category: Community

Find out what we are doing as part of Co-operatives Fortnight

Posted by Rob Smyth | 08/05/2018 | Category: Community

Vote for us now to be crowned Leading Co-operative of the Year

Posted by Rob Smyth | 01/05/2018 | Category: Community

Central England Co-op reveals results of Social Return on Investment report

Posted by Heather Clapton | 27/04/2018 | Category: Community

Since merging with Wooldale Co-op in 2017, Central England Co-op has been actively working with customers and members in the community to welcome them to the Society.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 26/04/2018 | Category: Community

Central England Co-op to take part in Birmingham Pride

Posted by Heather Clapton | 26/04/2018 | Category: Community

Central England Co-op is a community based and environmentally responsible retailer, our colleagues live in the communities they serve, and we are already actively reducing our carbon footprint as a business.

Posted by Heather Clapton | 24/04/2018 | Category: Community

Education forms a major part of our community work at Central England Co-operative and it’s one of the guiding principles that helps shape our commitment to improving the lives of our colleagues, members and customers.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 23/04/2018 | Category: Community

A wide range of groups, organisations and charities were handed grants, with a total of £45,000 handed out to 40 good causes across 16 counties.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 06/04/2018 | Category: Community

Thank you to our customers and members who supported our Easter Foodbank Appeal

Posted by Rob Smyth | 04/04/2018 | Category: Community

Meet Brad Tuckfield, Store Manager at our Brundall Food Store

Posted by Rob Smyth | 03/04/2018 | Category: Community

Our Spring edition of Join In is packed full of interesting stories of co-operation

Posted by Rob Smyth | 23/03/2018 | Category: Community

We shine a light on the impact made following the signing of the Time to Change pledge in March last year.

Posted by Stephanie Forrester | 26/02/2018 | Category: Community

Read about the recent innovations by our Shared Services Team being celebrated during Big Share Week.

Posted by Stephanie Forrester | 09/02/2018 | Category: Community

We’ve got inspiration from each country to accompany the Six Nations Rugby

Posted by Rob Smyth | 19/01/2018 | Category: Community

We have helped out 36 charities and groups by handing out over £57,000 in the latest payout from Central England Co-operative’s Community Dividend Fund

Posted by Rob Smyth | 08/01/2018 | Category: Community

Central England Co-op has donated kettles and toasters to support vulnerable adults with their independent living, through the housing charity Home Group.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 05/01/2018 | Category: Community

Central England Co-op installs over 300 defibrillators at food stores and funeral homes

Posted by Rob Smyth | 20/12/2017 | Category: Community

A total of over 16,000 meals will be handed out due to the success of the foodbank campaign

Posted by Heather Clapton | 18/12/2017 | Category: Community

Conker the horse is a regular face at the Central England Co-op at Horsley Woodhouse after it opened its doors on 26th May, 2017. His owner Ellie Spencer lives across the road from the store and Conker visits quite often.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 13/12/2017 | Category: Community

We are proud of our Community Dividend Fund and how it has help hundreds of people across the year

Posted by Rob Smyth | 12/12/2017 | Category: Community

The team at Central England Co-operative are proud to be a part of the communities we serve and our #beingcoopy campaign is all about colleagues, customers and members making an impact

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/11/2017 | Category: Community

We are urging customers, members and colleagues to donate vital items as part of our Christmas Foodbank Appeal this festive season

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/11/2017 | Category: Community

Paul Brookhouse, from the Hope Centre, talks about the importance of foodbanks and why it is important that we all donate this festive season

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/11/2017 | Category: Community

This special film features foodbank patron Lizzy sharing the story of how The Hope Centre, in Derby, helped turn her life around

Posted by Rob Smyth | 31/10/2017 | Category: Community

Community Dividend Fund grant gives Burton bookworms a boost

Posted by Rob Smyth | 03/10/2017 | Category: Community

A diverse range of projects picked from across 16 counties have been handed funding, with the largest single amount given being £5,000.

Posted by Heather Clapton | 02/10/2017 | Category: Community

The old style ‘round’ pound will not be legal tender from 15th October. Central England Co-operative has come up with the top eleven places that these pounds may be hidden in your home and suggest a great way to use them.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 20/09/2017 | Category: Community

Elaine Dean talks about her new role and her life as a co-operator

Posted by Rob Smyth | 01/08/2017 | Category: Community

Dementia UK is our corporate charity for 2017-18

Posted by Rob Smyth | 26/07/2017 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative is today delighted to announce that it has raised £1.5 million for its corporate charity partner Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 02/07/2017 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative sponsored the Kids Country Food and Farming Day 2017

Posted by Rob Smyth | 27/06/2017 | Category: Community

A diverse range of projects picked from across 16 counties have been handed funding from our Community Dividend Fund

Posted by Rob Smyth | 22/06/2017 | Category: Community

Find out all about our new membership and community newspaper Join In

Posted by Heather Clapton | 20/06/2017 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative raises money for Alzheimer's Society in cake sale

Posted by Rob Smyth | 14/06/2017 | Category: Community

It’s that time of year again, when we can show our Father’s how much they mean to us, with cards and gifts they will love. So show your Dad how much you care, share the remote control with him and treat him with one of the many handpicked gifts available from Central England Co-operative.

Posted by Heather Clapton | 25/04/2017 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative is a business that places itself in the heart of its communities. The colleagues who work within our stores and homes are members of the communities they serve, meaning they have real insight into the local community issues that matter to members and customers.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 04/04/2017 | Category: Community

A total of 26 good causes have been boosted thanks to our Community Dividend Fund

Posted by Rob Smyth | 06/01/2017 | Category: Community

A diverse range of projects picked from across 16 counties have been handed funding, with the largest single amount given being £5,000.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 05/01/2017 | Category: Community

Watch a special film about the inspriational story of youngster Harry Moseley

Posted by Rob Smyth | 02/01/2017 | Category: Community

A total of 89 groups and charities were supported during the past 12 months as a result of applying to the Society's Community Dividend Fund.

Posted by Jo Baldock | 30/11/2016 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative has invested £1,191,000 in the local community during 2015/16. 

Posted by Jo Baldock | 10/11/2016 | Category: Community

Help us to fill Santa’s Suitcase this Christmas! 

Posted by Jo Baldock | 03/11/2016 | Category: Community

Three community groups in Brundall share £2,677 thanks to Central England Co-operative's Brundall Community Grants to fund their local good causes. 

Posted by Rob Smyth | 03/11/2016 | Category: Community

Read our hints on how to Love Food Hate Waste this winter

Posted by Rob Smyth | 31/10/2016 | Category: Community

A total of 26 good causes shared £42, 555 as part of the latest Community Dividend payout.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 14/10/2016 | Category: Community

We are pleased to announce that lifesaving pieces of equipment have now been placed in the heart of the community across our trading area.

Posted by Jo Baldock | 04/10/2016 | Category: Community

Paul Fairhurst, Head of Risk and Compliance, completed the half Iron Man Challenge in September. Read about his journey here. 

Posted by Rob Smyth | 30/09/2016 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative Funeralcare thanks locals for raising over £11,000 during World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Posted by Jo Baldock | 22/09/2016 | Category: Community

Skydiving Mel raises funds for Newlife charity. 

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/09/2016 | Category: Community

Top tips and advice for students and parents

Posted by Rob Smyth | 09/09/2016 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative pledges to raise £1.5 million for disabled children

Posted by Rob Smyth | 31/08/2016 | Category: Community

Mums and dads! Get some top tips as your children get set to head back to school.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 30/08/2016 | Category: Community

We helped entertain thousands of people as part of a successful Lichfield Food Festival.

Posted by Jo Baldock | 25/08/2016 | Category: Community

Staff at Central England Co-operative have time to give, specifically three days a year to volunteer and whilst we have loads of energy and enthusiasm to make a real difference, sometimes finding the right opportunities can be harder than you would think.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 11/08/2016 | Category: Community

Thirty-five groups are celebrating after  the latest payout from the Community Dividend Fund.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/07/2016 | Category: Community

Our Funeralcare team transported a bandaged-up teddy bear all across the West Midlands area to raise vital funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Posted by Jo Baldock | 11/07/2016 | Category: Community

25 events, 700 volunteering hours - a tremendous effort for the Big Co-op Clean

Posted by Rob Smyth | 08/07/2016 | Category: Community

A Central England Co-operative store manager is getting ready to swap his work shoes for his walking boots as he gets set to undertake a 100-mile sponsored walk for two good causes.

Posted by Rob Smyth | 01/07/2016 | Category: Community

Lifesaving Defibrillator Installed Thanks To Joint Funded Efforts Of Central England Co-operative And Community Group

Posted by Jo Baldock | 21/06/2016 | Category: Community

At Central England Co-operative we are committed to making a real difference to our local communities

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 20/06/2016 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative wins Leading Co-operative of the Year 2016

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 03/06/2016 | Category: Community

Our Chief Executive, Martyn Cheatle, shares with us his Bloom commitments for a healthy, balanced lifestyle......

Posted by Jo Baldock | 03/06/2016 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative has committed to volunteering each colleague for up to three days a year to support a wide range of events and beneficiaries.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 22/04/2016 | Category: Community

All the details about the Fleckney food store relaunch

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 05/04/2016 | Category: Community

Thirty-three charities have benefited in the latest payout from Central England Co-operative’s Community Dividend Fund. In total over £78,000 has been distributed to a diverse range of projects.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 14/03/2016 | Category: Community

Week 4 of the incredible transformation of the new look Oakham store.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 01/03/2016 | Category: Community

Week 3 of the amazing transformation of the new look Oakham store.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 01/03/2016 | Category: Community

To launch the Bloom initiative we are asking you to make a #mycooppledge via Twitter.  The pledge can be anything that you would like to improve on in 2016.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 29/02/2016 | Category: Community

Week 7 of the amazing transformation of the Glenfield store.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 23/02/2016 | Category: Community

Week 2 of the amazing transformation of the new look Oakham store.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 18/02/2016 | Category: Community

Week 1 of the amazing transformation of the new look Oakham store.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 18/02/2016 | Category: Community

Week 6 of the amazing transformation of the Glenfield store.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 09/02/2016 | Category: Community

Week 5 of the amazing transformation of the Glenfield store.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 01/02/2016 | Category: Community

Week 4 of the Glenfield transformation.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 27/01/2016 | Category: Community

Our Glenfield supermarket continues to transform.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 18/01/2016 | Category: Community

Our Glenfield supermarket continues to transform.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 12/01/2016 | Category: Community

Our Glenfield supermarket is undertaking quite the transformation.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 14/10/2015 | Category: Community

Come and join us Friday 16th October in Birmingham for the Big Freeze.

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 14/09/2015 | Category: Community

A charge of 5p for all single-use carrier bags will come into effect in all Central England Co-operative stores from 5th October 2015.

Posted by Jane Firth | 03/09/2015 | Category: Community

Working with Jobcentre Plus, Central England Co-operative are facilitating 2-day workshops during September that will provide young people with a helping hand in their search for a job.

Posted by Katie Sohal | 08/04/2015 | Category: Community

Free #getthebuzz workshops for local primary schools during May- July at the East of England Showground and College Farm Aldeby, Norfolk

Posted by Katie Sohal | 18/03/2015 | Category: Community

Every young person, particularly those facing social disadvantage should receive support to enable them to build a successful working life.

Posted by David Thompson | 27/02/2015 | Category: Community

This Sunday (1st March) is St David’s Day, commemorating the life of the patron saint of Wales.

Posted by David Thompson | 15/01/2015 | Category: Community

To celebrate the launch of our new My Co-op Community website, over the coming months we will have community representatives in our stores to discuss just how we can help fund local projects in your community and answer any questions you might have about our scheme.

Posted by David Thompson | 05/01/2015 | Category: Community

Happy New Year everyone! At Central England Co-operative we are celebrating 2015 with the launch of our new communities’ website My Co-op Community.

Posted by David Thompson | 11/12/2014 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative, in partnership with local food banks, is hosting a Food Bank Awareness Weekend on Friday (12th) and Saturday (13th) December to help alleviate food poverty across our trading area.

Posted by David Thompson | 13/10/2014 | Category: Community

Central England Co-operative, as part of its partnership with waste prevention agency WRAP, is teaching Year 6 students in Oldbury, Erdington, Northfield and Stirchley about the effects of food waste on the environment.

Classes will be making delicious smoothies using leftover fruit and producing creative artworks on food waste that will be displayed in schools and at our local stores.

Stay tuned for more details and photos on the rest of our upcoming visits to schools in the Birmingham area by visiting our new Your Food Your Waste website.

Posted by Joy Welch | 13/08/2014 | Category: Community

The Story So Far . . . £500,000 For Disabled And Terminally Ill Children

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 09/06/2014 | Category: Community

In this first part, we look at the 50 strangest cat names found from around the globe.

Posted by Maryann Denfhy | 04/12/2013 | Category: Community

How Saffron Acres went from growing plums to selling spiced plum jam in one of the UK’s largest consumer co-operatives! 

Posted by Andrew Fouracre | 12/11/2013 | Category: Community

Join in the fun this Christmas and spot the reindeer hidden in the aisles for Newlife charity.

Posted by Andrew Fouracre | 29/10/2013 | Category: Community

It’s Halloween week and while some of you have already celebrated over the last weekend, All Hallows’ Eve is yet to officially arrive.

Posted by Andrew Fouracre | 29/08/2013 | Category: Community

We're celebrating the best in local produce this weekend from Saturday 31 August to Sunday 1 September.