Samaritans

Central Co-op proudly kicked off its new charity partnership with Samaritans on World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2024.

We’re committed to supporting our communities, whether it’s popping into the local shop for forgotten essentials, helping families arrange a funeral that feels right for them, or supporting people of all ages through community events and groups. Samaritans also puts community and human connection at the forefront of its mission. Every 10 seconds, a Samaritans volunteer answers a call for help, with 23,000 volunteers across 200 branches responding to people in need through phone calls, emails, online chats, letters and in-person visits. In 2023, these volunteers spent almost one million hours supporting people struggling with their mental health.

The new partnership with Samaritans emerged after an extensive selection process, driven by the voices of its Members. Nearly 17,000 Members participated in the vote that resulted in Samaritans being chosen, due to their life-changing work in emotional support and suicide prevention.

Debbie Robbinson, Chief Executive at Central Co-op, commented: “We’re thrilled to have Samaritans as our charity partner. Our Members made it clear that mental health is a priority and voted for a partner that provides essential mental health support, so we listened and acted. This partnership is a perfect reflection of Central Co-op’s core values of self-help, solidarity and community, and the focus Samaritans places on providing round-the-clock care and support is truly inspiring.”

Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, added: “We are honoured that thousands of Central Co-op Members voted Samaritans to be their new charity partnership and there is no better time to launch our work together than on World Mental Health Day. It’s thanks to public donations and partnerships with generous organisations like Central Co-op that Samaritans is able to be there for anyone struggling to cope and we can’t wait to see the positive impact our work together will have.”

As Central Co-op embarks on this meaningful partnership, both organisations look forward to creating lasting impact, ensuring communities receive the mental health support they need. When life is difficult, Samaritans are there to listen day or night - call free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Our seven-year partnership with Dementia UK has raised over £2.5 million. The impressive total was achieved through initiatives like “Time for a Cuppa” fundraising events and through micro-donations charity, Pennies, where customers were encouraged to donate when paying for their shopping or fuel by card if spending over £5.

Dementia UK

The contributions from Central Co-op colleagues, Members and customers have directly supported the vital work of Dementia UK, and through the duration of the partnership, the charity has been able to almost double the number of Admiral Nurses, from 200 to 447, providing essential support to thousands of families navigating the challenges of dementia.

The partnership, which began in 2017, has been instrumental in supporting Dementia UK’s mission to provide specialised care for those affected by dementia. Paul Edwards, Director of Clinical Services at Dementia UK, expressed his gratitude: “Thank you ever so much from me and all of us at Dementia UK - you have made the biggest difference to people with dementia and their families.”