The Central England Co-operative will be working with charity Dementia UK to raise funds for those living with dementia and their families. The society named Dementia UK its corporate charity for 2017/2018.
As part of this commitment, the co-op will be displaying collecting tins across its outlets to enable customers and members to donate when they visit their food stores, funeral homes or travel shops. Central England colleagues will also get involved in various fundraising events throughout the next 12 months.
The money raised through these efforts will be used to provide specialist support to families affected by dementia through the charity’s Admiral Nurse service and Dementia Helpline.
Admiral Nurses provide specialist one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions to people with dementia and their families. The charity aims to help them cope with challenges and boost their confidence if they are struggling to cope. The nurses work in the community for the NHS, care homes, hospitals or hospices.
A Dementia Helpline is also available to those is staffed by Admiral Nurses who offer support with any Dementia related problems. Last year the helpline supported 6,159 cases, a 50% increase on the previous year. The charity is currently looking to expand the number of nurses working on the helpline to cope with an increased demand.
Central England Co-operative chief executive, Martyn Cheatle, said: “More and more people are now being diagnosed with Dementia on a daily basis, with around 850,000 people now living with the condition in the UK.
“We are committed to making a real difference to families living with the effects of dementia by taking part in a wide range of fund-raising activities and offering customers and members the chance to support Dementia UK when they visit food stores, funeral homes and travel shops.
“I am proud to launch this charity partnership on behalf of everyone involved with Central England Co-operative and all of us are excited about working together to raise vital funds for this great charity.”
Throughout August the society will run events across its food stores, funeral homes and travel stores, organising tea parties and bake sales to raise funds for Dementia UK. The co-op will be encouraging colleagues across the 16 counties in which it trades to make ‘Time for a Cuppa’.
Dementia UK chief executive, Hilda Hayo, said: “We know that living with dementia can be a difficult and lonely experience. The support of an Admiral Nurse is a lifeline for families affected by dementia and the invaluable support of Central England Co-operative will mean we can provide this vital, life-changing support to even more families who need it.”
Since 2013, Central England Co-operative has raised £1.5 million for its previous charity partner, Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children.
