Co-op Broughshane Street, Ballymena, has announced it is to support three local charities - Braid Valley Community First Responders, Good Morning Ballymena and Women’s Aid ABCLN, through the Co-op’s Local Community Fund during 2022.
Local Co-op Member Pioneer, Jackie McNeill said:
“Firstly I would like to congratulate the three causes, Braid Valley Community Responders, Good Morning Ballymena, and Women’s Aid ABCLN, on being successful in becoming Co-op Community Causes.
“I am looking forward to Co-op Broughshane Street supporting these three local community organisations having respect for all, making a better world, and working to improve communities.”
Volunteer Paul McCormick, Braid Valley Community First Responders, commented:
“Trained and alerted by NI Ambulance Service, community first responders provide life-saving care in medical emergencies pending the arrival of the ambulance.
“With the support of Co-op’s Local Community Fund, our project will increase cardiac arrest survival potential by bringing people together to learn life-saving CPR skills in and confidence to use public access defibrillators in real life emergencies.”
Good Morning Ballymena Coordinator, Debbie Chestnutt, welcomed the news stating the support would allow the organisation to continue to “provide a free telephone befriending service for older and vulnerable people within the community, that offers advice and support to reduce isolation.
The project also helps members come together through friendship and trust to improve their mental health. Face to face meetings can also the volunteers to keep an eye on the physical health and wellbeing Of service users.
Women’s Aid ABCLN Communication and Engagement Manager, Arlene Creighton responded to the new partnership and said:
“We provide confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse across Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey. We believe that no-one should have to live in fear or threat from abuse.
“Being a Co-op Local Community Fund cause will help us to provide one to one support, practical assistance and group work for women and children affected by domestic abuse.”
Local Community Fund members have raised £100 million for over 25,000 causes in the last five years. Jackie continued:
“For every £1 members spend on selected Co-op branded products and services, 1p will go into their membership account to support community organisations and good causes.
“Co-op members can nominate that their rewards go to Braid Valley Community First Responders, Good Morning Ballymena or Women’s Aid ABCLN and this means that no matter what Co-op Store they shop in, when they swipe or scan their membership card or use their Co-op app these good causes will benefit.”
For more details about Co-op membership and to select your good cause go to: