Local charities benefit from a share of £15,500 donation

Each year, the Co-operative Retail Trading Group’s (CRTG) hold a Supplier Awards Dinner to thank suppliers for their continued support of the co-operative movement, whilst raising money for charity. Money raised on the evening is shared amongst the member Co-operative Societies who each select a charity or charities to make a donation to.

This year the East of England Co-op chose Suffolk Young People’s Health Project (4YP), Mid and North Essex Mind and Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind to receive a share of the charity monies raised.

Suffolk Young People’s Health Project (also known as 4YP) is a local charity, which provides and co-ordinates services that improve the social, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing of young people in Suffolk, aged 12-25.

Karl Dickinson, Business and Marketing Coordinator for Suffolk Young People’s Health Project (4YP), said: “We were surprised and thrilled to be recognised at the CRTG Supplier Awards Dinner, and are absolutely delighted to receive this incredibly generous donation from the East of England Co-op.  4YP’s services are in high demand, supporting the vast range of issues that young people face.  As a local charity and small team, it is a constant challenge to secure the funding we need to ensure this support continues.  Like the Co-op, 4YP puts people at the centre of what we do; this donation will make a significant difference to young people’s wellbeing and go a long way to reassuring the local community 4YP is here for when they need us.  Words may not express just how grateful we are, but thank you.”

Mid and North East Essex Mind, the mental health charity believes no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They support and empower people experiencing an emotional or mental health condition by building on their personal hopes and aspirations. This is achieved by identifying and responding to community needs in order to deliver an effective and efficient system of community based services.

Stephanie Mills, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, for Mid and North East Essex Mind, said: “We are thrilled to be picked as one of charities benefitting from this generous donation and would like to pass our thanks to the organisers and everyone who donated. The need for our services is growing, donations like this allow us to continue to grow our services to make sure no one faces a mental health problem alone.”

Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind, work to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, support people in their recovery and champion better services for all.

Sarah Ingram, Fundraising & Media Manager at Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind, said: ‘We are thrilled to hear about the amazing donation from the East of England Co-op.  Not only will the money enable us to continue our great work in the community it also goes a long way in raising awareness of our organisation and the support we can offer and gets people talking about mental health to reduce the stigma and discrimination.  Thank you so much to everyone involved in raising such a wonderful amount.’

Roger Grosvenor, Joint Chief Executive at the East of England Co-op, said: “Through our Community Token Scheme and Co-op Cuppa initiatives, we understand how important it is for people to have support when they need it most. We are delighted to be able to support these organisations to carry on the good work they do in our communities and to continue to raise awareness of the growing need to support people’s wellbeing and mental health.”