Following a decisive vote by its members and colleagues, The Co-operative Group announced that it will partner with the British Red Cross to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
As part of The Co-operative Group, over a two year period The Co-operative Funeralcare will fundraise and campaign to help address issues, which are of growing concern for the UK society and reported to affect five million people.
Richard Pennycook, group chief executive, said: “This is what the Co-operative difference is all about. We are standing up for what matters to our members and colleagues so that we can campaign for change and a better society.
“Loneliness is indiscriminate, it’s not just about older generations; it can affect anyone at any stage of their life and regardless of circumstances. We can use the presence we have in over 3,750 communities in the UK to help tackle these issues at a local level with our colleagues and members. We look forward to working with our new charity partner, the British Red Cross, to address this issue.”
Mike Adamson, chief executive of British Red Cross, said: “We are all absolutely delighted to become the new charity partner of The Co-operative Group. It is such an incredible opportunity which will undoubtedly help us to transform the lives of thousands of people living in our communities. No-one should be suffering alone, and a partnership with The Co‑operative Group will help us to reach thousands of vulnerable people.”
