The Co-op uses its branches across the country to help connect with people and projects in the area. The Co-op Community Fund was created to help provide support and funding to local causes.  

When you buy selected Co-op products and services, 2p for every £1 you spend goes into your Co-op membership account. The Co-op will also give the same amount to support community organisations and local causes. 

Since 2016 Co-op members have helped raise £117 million which has been used to support around 7 million people across the UK. 

This year, the three local causes Co-op is supporting are Open Door Exmouth, Exmouth Youth Theatre and Exmouth Talking Newspaper, for which £944.83, £487.34 and £404.71 have been raised respectively.

Open Door Exmouth is a Christian charity with multiple community projects on the go, including a community cafe and parent hub. Exmouth Youth Theatre provides local youngsters with the opportunity to take part in drama in musical theatre, and Exmouth Talking Newspaper helps visually impaired people stay up-to-date with local news and events in the area.

The Co-op is now calling all community groups for the next round of the Local Community Fund with applications open from Wednesday 10 May. The deadline is 11 June.

They will be looking to support projects that:

• Bring people together to access food
• Help improve people's mental wellbeing
• Create opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference
• Enable people to save and restore nature or tackle climate change

The Co-op Local Community Fund supports projects across the UK that their members care about.

You can find more information here: Co-op (coop.co.uk)