Colleague News 01.09
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Published 1 Sep 2026 in Colleagues
This week in Colleague News: Debbie shares highlights from her visit to colleagues in the Cheltenham area, plus the latest wellbeing updates, Inclusion Network plans and National Inclusion Week activities.
You'll also find exclusive colleague travel deals, from festive city breaks to sunny getaways, helping you save on your next adventure. ✈️🌟
OurCoop in Cheltenham - A message from Debbie
I hope you are keeping well and have had a good week.
I recently visited colleagues across our family of businesses in Cheltenham with Selina, spending time at one of our Little Pioneers nurseries and meeting colleagues from TravelCoop and FuneralCoop.
It was a wonderful reminder of the many ways OurCoop supports our members, customers and communities through every stage of life.
At Little Pioneers, we received such a warm welcome from the team, led by Nursery Manager Libby. We were impressed by the quality of the nursery and the food provided and, most importantly, by the nurturing and engaging environment created for the children. It was clear how much care, dedication and thought goes into giving every child the best possible experience.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Gina at TravelCoop and appreciated her openness and the ideas she shared with us.
Debbie meeting colleagues from across OurCoop’s family of businesses during her visit to Cheltenham.
At our FuneralCoop funeral home, I met Funeral Advisors Phillipa and Amy. The funeral home was rebranded several years ago, with enhanced standards of care introduced throughout. Both the home and hearse were immaculate, reflecting the team’s professionalism and the exceptionally high standards they maintain. I also saw the care taken to provide a welcoming and reassuring environment for families.
Each business provides a very different service, but all play an important role in OurCoop. Wherever we went, the same qualities shone through: care, professionalism and a genuine commitment to the people and communities we serve.
Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome we received. It was wonderful to see the positive difference colleagues across OurCoop make for our members, customers and communities every day.
Best wishes,
Debbie
September Wellbeing Update
This month, we’re highlighting World Suicide Prevention Day, Youth Mental Health Day and National Inclusion Week, sharing resources and events to support wellbeing, inclusion and positive conversations across OurCoop.
World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September)
The day takes place to raise awareness of suicide, reduce stigma and encourage action on suicide prevention day. The theme for 2026 is ‘Changing the narrative suicide’
This is the first year since the publication of BS 30480 Suicide and the Workplace, the first national workplace suicide prevention standard. It was developed with input from organisations, to give precritical guidance on how to approach suicide prevention.
👉 Click here to access the brochure standard framework
Youth Mental Health Day (18th September)
This year’s theme is #Buildfutureyou, focusing on supporting young people to thrive despite challenges. It is an annual awareness day organised
by charity, Stem4 to encourage young people, families, schools and communities to focus on mental health, break stigma and provide practical support.
#Buildfutureyou emphasises helping young people navigate uncertainty, develop resilience, and take positive steps towards goals, one step at a time.
👉 Click here to access the stem4 website for more information.
National Inclusion Week (14th-20th September)
This is an annual event which was founded by Inclusive Employers. It is dedicated to celebrating inclusion and promoting inclusive practices in
workplaces and communities across the UK. This year’s theme is ‘Break barriers and navigate change.’
There are a number of resources, toolkits, guides and webinars that can help to encourage reflection, discussion and actionable change.
👉 Click here to access more information from the Inclusive Employers
Upcoming Events…
Suicide in the Workplace: What every business needs to know
Everymind at Work are hosting a webinar on strengthening social wellness in our community
Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Time: 1pm
Join the Everymind team for a conversation on prevention, intervention and postvention and what HR and people leaders need to know about suicide at work.
👉 Click here to register
Save the date: Discover Our Inclusion Networks
Something exciting is coming this National Inclusion Week (14–18 September)...
We're getting ready to introduce Our Inclusion Networks.
To help you find out more, our Inclusion Leads will be hosting a series of informal information sessions during the week. Whether you're curious about the networks, thinking about getting involved or simply want to learn more, these sessions are for you.
📅 Pop these dates in your diary:
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Virtual, On Teams: 14 September 10 am - 2 pm
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OurCoop Support Centre, Lichfield: 15 September 10 am - 2 pm
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OurCoop Support Centre, Leamington: 16 September 10 am - 2 pm
No need to book – just come along if you can.
Your Colleague Travel offers! ✈️
Discover a fantastic range of city breaks, from magical Christmas market getaways to exploring iconic landmarks and historic cities 😍☀️ Whether you’re looking for a last-minute escape or planning a summer getaway for next year, now is the perfect time to book!
Plus, you can save even more with your colleague discount, making your next city break even better value. Don’t miss out on these amazing savings—start planning your next adventure today! ✈️✨
Fall in love with the South of France in Nice. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy the French Riviera and explore one of France's most glamorous coastal cities.
Nice Pam Hotel, Nice, South of France
3 nights, room only
Classic room
20th April 2027
Luton
Colleagues save 15% with Co-op Holidays: £311 per person including £10pp payable locally (non-colleague price £365pp). Prices based on 2 adults sharing.
Two Cities, Twice the Christmas Magic, Bratislava & Vienna This December, combine the festive charm of Bratislava & Vienna with a brilliant twin-centre city break!
3rd December 2026
London Stansted
2 nights in Bratislava, Crowne Plaza Bratislava, room only
2 nights in Vienna, NH Wien City, room only
Train from Bratislava to Vienna included
20kg luggage included
Colleagues save 15% with Co-op holidays: £612 per person including £15pp payable locally. (Non-colleague price £720pp). Prices based on 2 adults sharing.
Fabulous Faro - Beach bliss meets city style in the Algarve’s cool capital!
AP Eva Senses Hotel, Faro, Algarve
1st March 2027
4 nights
Birmingham
🚌Transfers included
Luggage included
🍽️ Bed & Breakfast
Colleagues save 10% with Jet2holidays : £815 total for two adults including £14 tourist tax payable locally (non-colleague price £906 total for two sharing)
October might just be the perfect time to visit Amsterdam. With golden leaves reflecting in the canals, cosy cafés serving seasonal treats, and a more relaxed atmosphere across the city, autumn is a wonderful time to experience the Dutch capital.
Zaan Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam, Amsterdam
2 nights, room only
5th October 2026
Manchester
Colleagues save 10% with easyJet Holidays: £432 total for two adults including £21 payable locally (Non-colleague price £479 total for two sharing)