Co-op to support eight projects in Norfolk with £22k grant

The initiative will see a £22,000 grant go to help over 1,200 people in the area as part of the group's Community Cares Fund. 

This fund forms part of the Co-op's commitment to strengthening communities and addressing social challenges.

It  supports food banks, mental health programmes, environmental projects and youth services.

The latest round of grants will be given to Centre 81 Limited, Friend in Deed, Headway Norfolk and Waveney, Love Dereham Ltd, National Centre for Writing, Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre Charitable Trust, St Edmunds Society, and Sunbeams Play.

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Each of these groups provides important services and fosters community spirit in the area.

The chief executive for the National Centre for Writing, Peggy Hughes, said: “The National Centre for Writing (NCW) is delighted to receive this grant from the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund.

"Thanks to the Fund’s support we will deliver creative writing and heritage engagement programmes for older people at our historic medieval home, Dragon Hall on King Street."

The chief executive officer for the East of England Co-op, Doug Field OBE, said: “We are thrilled to support such a wide variety of projects that are improving lives across Norfolk.

"At the East of England Co-op, we believe in the power of community and the positive impact that collective efforts can bring."

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The Co-op's community programme, Local Giving, has also just finished its first round.

Food stores, funeral branches and travel agents have been raising money for 193 different charities and organisations across East Anglia, collectively raising over £33,000.

This has been topped up with a central donation of £150 per charity, taking the total to more than £60,000.

The East of England Co-op is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia, with over 200 branches.