Colleague News 21.07

Young people will be able to identify the store as a registered Safe Space through dedicated window signage. The location is also listed on Google Maps alongside other participating venues across Walsall.

Launched by Walsall Council and West Midlands Police, the initiative aims to create a network of trusted locations where young people can seek help whenever they need it. The Walsall store is one of a growing number of organisations supporting the scheme, alongside Walsall Bus Station, The Link, Legacy Church and several council-run venues.

A big shout-out to all the colleagues involved in this fantastic initiative with Store Manager at Walsall Town Centre Food, Helen Taylor sharing, "Our stores have always been at the heart of the communities they serve, and we're proud to be playing our part in helping young people feel safer in Walsall. Sometimes all someone needs is a friendly face, somewhere quiet to collect their thoughts or practical help to get in touch with a parent or carer.

"By becoming a Safe Space, we hope young people know they can walk through our doors with confidence if they ever need support. Our colleagues have received the training to help in these situations and will always do their best to provide reassurance and assistance."

The rollout of Safe Spaces forms part of Walsall Council's ambition to make the borough a child-friendly place by 2040, ensuring young people have access to trusted locations where they can seek help whenever they need it. A great example of our co-op difference in the community.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Champions

Since our last update in May, our Wellbeing and Mental Health Champions network has continued to grow. We've been working hard to ensure we have Champions representing all areas of our family of businesses, and last week we held the first of two EveryMind training sessions.

The session brought colleagues together from across the Society, equipping them with the skills and confidence to have supportive conversations about mental health and wellbeing, while also recognising the importance of looking after their own wellbeing. EveryMind places a strong emphasis on supporting the supporters, ensuring our Champions feel equipped to care for themselves as well as others.

As a result of the training, our Champions will be better prepared to have meaningful, supportive conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

James Knight shared "I found the EveryMind training insightful, thought-provoking and enjoyable. Knowing there's support available for me as a Champion means I can look after my own wellbeing too, which helps me be in the best place to support colleagues."

If you want to talk to someone, you can contact a Wellbeing and Mental Health Champions– click here for details.

Since then, colleagues across our Society have gone above and beyond to support the partnership. From in-store raffles and bake sales to sponsored walks, quizzes and fundraising challenges, you've shown just how much can be achieved when we come together.

Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we've now raised more than £400,000 for Samaritans.

That money is already making a real difference. Every pound helps Samaritans provide free, confidential emotional support to anyone struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night. It also helps recruit and train volunteers, keep local branches open across the UK and Ireland, and ensure their phone, email and online chat services remain available whenever someone needs someone to listen.

Colleagues, members and customers can continue supporting Samaritans with every shop through our Pennies scheme. When paying by card on purchases over £5 in former-Central food stores and petrol filling stations, members and customers can choose to round up their transaction by 10p, with every penny going directly to support the charity.

Mental health affects us all, whether personally or through someone we know. That's why this partnership is so important. It reflects the values of our members, the compassion of our colleagues and our commitment to supporting the communities we serve.

So, on this Samaritans Awareness Day, thank you. Whether you've organised a fundraiser, baked a cake, bought a raffle ticket, donated through Pennies or simply helped spread the word, you've played a part in helping Samaritans be there for people when they need it most.

Because together, we're helping ensure that someone is always there to listen - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

OurCoop has been recognised for our green energy transformation projects, which is helping to accelerate the Society's transition to renewable energy while supporting community-owned clean energy across the UK.

The transformation has seen OurCoop expand renewable energy generation across more than 130 sites, lead innovative renewable electricity partnerships, invest in energy-saving technologies, and support community energy organisations through Younity. Together, these initiatives are reducing carbon emissions, improving energy resilience and creating lasting environmental benefits for both ourselves and the communities we serve. 

Being shortlisted is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, collaboration and commitment shown by colleagues across the Society, as well as our partners, who continue to help us make positive changes for the future.

The winners will be announced at the Global Sustainability Awards ceremony on 8^th of September 2026. Whatever the outcome, reaching the shortlist is an achievement we're incredibly proud of and reflects OurCoop's ongoing commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

Good luck to everyone involved!