Central Co-op thanks hospice workers for their efforts during coronavirus crisis

Hospice staff have been sent “thank you” packages by Central England Co-op to show its “appreciation for their efforts in caring for those with life-threatening and life limiting illnesses during these uncertain times.”

The provider, which operates over 130 funeral homes across 16 counties, decided to make the gesture to show its support from “one set of frontline workers to another”.

The packages packages are filled with tea, coffee, milk, biscuits, chocolate, hand cream and soap and have been distributed across Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk and Suffolk, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire.

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op chief executive, said: “Our hospice workers are playing a vital role in helping those who need them the most in these difficult times.

“This is why we wanted to do something, from one set of key workers to another, to thank them for their efforts and to give them a little treat from our nearby Central England Co-op teams.

She added: “I am in awe of the efforts of all of our frontline workers, from our teams in food stores and funeral homes to those in the NHS, and the work they are doing to ensure our communities continue to be helped and supported.”

The news comes as Central England Co-op has announced it is to host its first online members meeting to update members on efforts to support local communities impacted by the coronavirus.

Normally, 12 meetings are held in April in venues across its trading estate spanning from Birmingham to Norfolk to update members and provide them with the chance to ask questions of the board and executive team.

However, due to restrictions put in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the society organised its first-ever online version of the meetings to ensure members continue to be informed.