Chosen by Members: Central Co-op launches partnership with Samaritans on World Mental Health Day

Central Co-op proudly kicked off its new charity partnership with Samaritans on World Mental Health Day, 10th October, with an inspiring launch event at its Support Centre in Lichfield.

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The event fostered a welcoming space for Central Co-op colleagues to connect with Samaritans volunteers, learn about the critical work the charity does, and explore fundraising opportunities to support the partnership.

Samaritans volunteers and Central Co-op colleagues at the event

A key feature of the launch was the creation of a "Pledge Wall," where both Central Co-op colleagues and Samaritans volunteers wrote down their personal commitments to mental health. The pledges reflected a deep sense of self-care and support, with messages such as: “Take time to get outdoors & be focused on being outside,” “Prioritise my own happiness more, less people pleasing,” and “Ask for help, even if it scares me.”

Central Co-op is committed to supporting its communities, whether it's popping into the local shop for forgotten essentials, helping families arrange a funeral that feels right for them, or supporting people of all ages through community events and groups. Like Central Co-op, Samaritans puts community and human connection at the forefront of its mission. Every 10 seconds, a Samaritans volunteer answers a call for help, with 23,000 volunteers across 200 branches responding to people in need through phone calls, emails, online chats, letters and in-person visits. Last year alone, these volunteers spent almost one million hours supporting people struggling with their mental health.

Debbie Robbinson, Chief Executive at Central Co-op, commented:

We’re thrilled to have Samaritans as our charity partner. Our Members made it clear that mental health is a priority and voted for a partner that provides essential mental health support, so we listened and acted. This partnership is a perfect reflection of Central Co-op’s core values of self-help, solidarity and community, and the focus Samaritans places on providing round-the-clock care and support is truly inspiring.

Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, added:

We are honoured that thousands of Central Co-op Members voted Samaritans to be their new charity partnership and there is no better time to launch our work together than on World Mental Health Day. It’s thanks to public donations and partnerships with generous organisations like Central Co-op that Samaritans is able to be there for anyone struggling to cope and we can’t wait to see the positive impact our work together will have.

Shoppers can now donate by rounding up their purchases when paying by card at Central Co-op shops or via cash in donation boxes at tills and funeral homes. Central Co-op colleagues marked World Mental Health Day and the beginning of the Samaritans partnership with Dawn Walks (a series of 5K sunrise walks), alongside Tea & Talk events and raffles to launch fundraising efforts.

Samaritans’ work makes a tangible difference, and donations go a long way. Just £10 could help Samaritans answer a call for help, while £133 could recruit and train a new volunteer. Larger amounts of £680 could help keep the helpline open for an hour, and £1,077 could cover the cost of running Samaritans' online chat service for an entire day.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are there to listen day or night - call free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. For further details on Central Co-op initiatives, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/ or visit socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found at membership.centralengland.coop/.

ENDS