The Midcounties Co-operative was recognised as a Gold Partner at the Walsall Works Partner Awards on 29 March.
Organised by Walsall Council, the awards recognise the contribution of businesses and organisations that work to improve the lives of Walsall residents. Midcounties was one of six businesses to be named a Gold Partner.
The society received the accolade during a ceremony at Walsall College with judges praising its work with Walsall-based sexual exploitation prevention charity Street Teams.
As part of its charity partnership scheme, Midcounties raised more than £19,000 for Street Teams. The charity used this funding to provide tailored one-to-one support to nearly 100 children and have funded preventative sessions with nearly 15,000 school children across 32 schools in Walsall.
Judges also commended the society for its commitment to providing employment opportunities for local people. Midcounties employs around 850 colleagues in Walsall and works with Walsall-based Performance Through People to deliver an apprenticeship programme. In addition, the society launched a new partnership with Walsall College in October 2018 to offer careers to its students.
“Midcounties has integrated core social value principles into their daily work. The society stands as a shining example of how effective business practices and social investment can work hand-in-hand,” said the judging panel.
Nicola Morgan, a leadership team ambassador at Midcounties in Walsall, said: “As a co-operative, we’re committed to giving back to the community in any way that we can, whether that be through fundraising or employment initiatives. In Walsall, we feel as though we’re at the heart of the community and have good links with local schools, charities and organisations.
“We’re proud to have been named a Gold Partner by the Walsall Council and hope to continue our positive work in the area.”
The council-led Walsall Works programme aims to support local people with finding jobs, apprenticeships and training.
