East of England Co-op to support 33 local projects across East Anglia through their Community Cares Fund.

The East of England Co-op is proud to announce that over 8,000 people are set to benefit from its latest round of Community Cares Fund grants, which total £110,000.  

The retailer, who in supporting 33 local projects this round, has now supported over 600 charities and organisations this year across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, through Community Cares Fund, Local Giving or other community programmes.  

The East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund is a charitable initiative first established by the East of England Co-op in 2020. The Community Cares Fund provides financial grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 to initiatives that address 'community cohesion and integration' and aims to support people in playing an active part in their communities to reduce barriers and inequalities, and improve social contact and experiences. 

Peggy Hughes, Chief Executive for the National Centre for Writing said: “The National Centre for Writing (NCW) is delighted to receive this grant from the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund. Thanks to the Fund’s support, we will deliver creative writing and heritage engagement programmes for older people at our historic medieval home, Dragon Hall on King Street.   

“By offering free, relaxed sessions inspired by Norwich’s rich literary and medieval heritage, NCW aims to enhance older people’s wellbeing and social connectedness. Alongside new drop-in visitor hours (Sunday – Wednesday, 10am – 3pm) at Dragon Hall, we are delighted that older residents can enjoy regular access to our vibrant Literature House over the coming year.” 

East of England Co-op are also delighted to confirm that they’ve raised over £60,000 through their Local Giving community project, supporting a further 193 charities and organisations. Local Giving, where each East of England Co-op Food store, Funeral Services branch and Travel branch spend three months raising awareness and fundraising for their chosen charity, on top of a £150 donation from the retailer, has just finished its inaugural round.  

Doug Field OBE, Chief Executive Officer for the East of England Co-op said: “At the East of England Co-op, we believe in the power of community and the positive impact that collective efforts can bring.  

“Our Community Cares Fund is designed to support local organisations and initiatives that make a real difference in people's lives. From supporting the vulnerable to fostering sustainable development, this fund represents our commitment to giving back and helping our communities thrive. 

“In addition to our Community Cares Fund, our Local Giving initiative empowers our colleagues, members and customers to directly contribute to local causes close to their hearts.” 

The East of England Co-op is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia with over 200 Food stores, Travel branches and local Funeral Service branches across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.