A number of community groups in Cornwall are celebrating after they received funding support from Co-op.

Donations from Co-op’s Local Community Fund have resulted in a smiling faces with 14 groups sharing a total of £32,993.05 nationally.

The fund, generated by Co-op Members simply using their membership card when purchasing own-brand items, has brought  support to local projects they care about since it began in 2016, successfully backing more than 36,000 community projects across the nation.

Among the beneficiaries this time are Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which is at the receiving end of £4,152.14; Falmouth's RNLI, which nets £3,920.52; and Friends of Cusgarne School, which accepted £2,380.57.

This financial backing arrives at an opportune time. According to a study involving over 3,000 UK local community causes, more than 84% of groups reported an increase in demand for their services amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The giving spirit continues in the run-up to Christmas. Co-op members and customers will be able to give the gift of community spirit and offer further essential support to community initiatives.

This allows members to contribute their member rewards balance through the Co-op app, while it will also see both members and customers given the option to donate across 2,400 Co-op stores nationwide.

Falmouth Packet:

Matching these contributions, Co-op is committed to sharing the spirit of Christmas with more UK communities this year.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op said: "We’re really proud of our Local Community Fund and the impact it’s had supporting thousands of local causes across the UK.

"These groups deliver incredible grassroot projects, enabling them to provide important services, support and activities for their diverse communities."

Local causes and community projects backed by Co-op’s Local Community Fund include bringing people together through food, improving mental wellbeing, creating opportunities for young voices and raising climate change awareness.

Earlier this year, Co-op announced its ambition to engage one million active new members in the next five years.