SIX community groups in and around Andover have received thousands of pounds in funding from Co-Op’s Local Community Fund to ‘help make a difference locally’.

Koala Community Hub, based in Andover and helps people with conditions such as autism, has received £2,403.87, and St James Church in Ludgershall and Faberstown has received £1,241.75.

Rising Fives Pre-School, in Whitchurch, was also awarded funding, receiving £2,230.67 with Whitchurch in Bloom receiving £2,295.97.

Andover Advertiser: Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op

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The funds are raised by Co-op members simply swiping or scanning their membership card when buying own-brand products and services.

Since its launch in 2016, Co-op’s Local Community Fund has supported over 36,000 local community projects across the UK.

The funding boost comes as research from over 3,000 UK local community causes shows that more than eight-in-10 (84 per cent) of local groups have seen a jump in demand for their services through the cost-of-living crisis. 

Members can donate their member rewards balance via the Co-op app or in Co-Op’s stores.

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Co-op has pledged to match donations made by the public this Christmas, up to the value of £1m.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op said: “We’re really proud of our Local Community Fund and the impact it’s had supporting thousands of local causes across the UK. These groups deliver incredible grassroots projects, enabling them to provide important services, support, and activities for their diverse communities.”

Co-op’s Local Community Fund supports local causes and community projects that have an impact and make a difference locally.