Support for India, Shopworker Protection & Ask me a Question
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Published 7 May 2021 in Phil's blog
As we look forward to the next step in a return to normal it is very sad to hear about the terrible situation in India and how they are dealing with the pandemic. Coordinated by Co-op’s UK, we have decided to play our part and help the cause with a donation to SEWA, self-employed, women’s association, Co-operative Federation in India. They focus on giving a sustainable livelihood for female workers and currently work with 106 women’s co-ops. By working with this organisation, it will enable the provision of much needed basic supplies through their female networks, including masks and paracetamol, critical supplies including oxygen as well as information and guidance. I hope you agree this is the right thing to do.
Ask me a Question
As you will be aware over this week and next, through Your Co-op Conversations and the AGM we will be hearing members views and answering their questions. I want to continue that conversation with you, our colleagues and so next week I will be taking part in a question and answer session which will be all about the things you want to know.
This is your opportunity to ask me anything. Simply put your question in the comments below and I will respond as part of the session next week.
New Little Pioneers Sites & Your Co-op Travel Flying High
I had the pleasure of visiting two of our new nursery sites this week, firstly Cheltenham Park which is due to open in September and is progressing really well and also Emersons Green, Bristol which has literally just started work and as you can see Sally and I were asked to help Little Pioneer Charlie to get things going! This site should open early next year, and both of these new builds are great examples of our Board’s commitment to expanding our pre-school & nursery operations. Education is an important co-operative principle and these additions will ensure we are helping to educate even more of the generation just starting out in life. The sites will be creating around 50 new jobs to help support our children, providing great community investments for families and employment.
At Emersons Green, Bristol where work commenced just 2 days ago
These two purpose-built brand-new developments will kick start Childcare’s ambitious growth plans in making the Little Pioneers brand nationally known and locally loved.
I also managed to drop into a couple of travel branches this week to congratulate them on the fantastic sales achieved across the group last week. It was nice to meet the team at Gloucester who runs one of our busiest branches as well as the new branch at Evesham sporting our new brand design. It was great to meet Lilli at Evesham who is also an ambassador for our Young Co-operators Network. The new brighter colours are helping to bring the sunshine back across all of our branches and we are seeing some amazing results. Sara Dunham, Chief Officer for Travel & Leisure was telling me that within two hours of the UK Disney cruises going on sale last week we had made 200 bookings! Well done to all the travel team and keep up the great work.
Visiting Gloucester Travel [left to right] are April, Phil (Assistant Manager) Amber and Louise & at Evesham Travel [left to right] is Tracy (Branch Manager) and Lilli
Rectory Road Food Store Launch
We go from strength to strength in Food retail, with the third store launch in as many weeks at Rectory Road convenience store in Sutton Coldfield yesterday. With 18 new roles created for the local community, the site will be headed up by Store Manager, Lee Johnson. Following last month’s store launches in Lydney and Bishops Cleeve, we look forward to more openings in the coming months. A thank you to everyone involved in making these possible as we move towards a busy summer period and good luck and a big welcome to our new colleagues at Rectory Road.
Colleague Protection by writing to your MP
As mentioned in my blog last week, we need your help to lobby the Government for better protection of shopworkers from violence and abuse. The proposed amendment to the Police, Crime and Sentencing Courts Bill would make a significant difference in protecting our colleagues on the frontline. Therefore, I would encourage all colleagues to write to their local MP, calling for change. To write to your MP today click here.
Your Co-op Conversations begins & AGM
It’s been a pleasure attending some of the Your Co-op Conversations forums this week, hearing some of the great interactions between members. There are still a few more on in the run-up to the AGM, so even if you want to drop for a short while, click here.
The final preparations for our Society AGM are nearly complete and I am really looking forward to speaking to our members and hearing their views after a difficult year for all. If you haven’t already registered yet, click here.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health and Wellbeing is extremely important for all of us. We recognise this is a growing issue and it’s important we take steps to help colleagues and provide support where necessary.
As part of the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week, we are collectively raising £2,500 for the charity Mind. I will be doing my part next week and getting active, so I hope you can join in too. For more information and to take part click here.
Finally, tomorrow is Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This year, there may not be a nationwide silence, but I will be taking a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of the Second World War generation, who gave their all 76 years ago.
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