A RANGE of Knutsford groups have received a boost from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

The Fund is generated by members trading across the Co-op’s businesses in addition to the benefits they receive for themselves.

Members are encouraged to pick a local cause to support each year, from a selection that are building stronger, more resilient communities.

The local groups to benefit from the fund include 1st Mobberley Brownies, £777; 1st Holmes Chapel Scout Group and Cub Pack, £1,200; The Animal Sanctuary, Wilmslow, £2,294; Knutsford Musical Theatre Company, £866; Mobberley Pre-school, £767; East Cheshire Hospice, £1,759; Earlams, £1,733; Friends of Mobberley PTA, £740; Cheshire Autism Practical Support Ltd, £1,266; St Vincent's Primary PTA, £870.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at the Co-op, said: “The Local Community Fund supports grassroots projects across the UK our members really care about. And right now, these causes need support more than ever before.

“It’s such an amazing privilege to announce that £15 million raised by our Members in total has now been shared, helping communities and lives across the country at a time when they need it most.

“We know it has been an incredibly challenging time for local causes, as support decreases and demand increases.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our members and colleagues who have made it possible to make this contribution.

“We encourage everyone to engage with the amazing groups and organisations on their doorstep, to help them weather the storm.”

Relaunched in October, Co-op’s membership programme sees supports for communities now double.

2p in every pound spent will be shared equally between the Local Community Fund for local causes and the new Community Partnerships Fund, intended to support communities through like-minded national charities and organisations.

Rebecca added: “We’re hoping both these routes to funding will make an even bigger impact in 2021. We want to help Knutsford communities to share, co-operate and make a positive difference to their wellbeing.”

For 2021 the Fund will be supporting causes which support fairer access to food, mental wellbeing services, education and employment for young people in their communities.