Before the current crisis, research by the Co-op showed that 9 million UK residents suffer from loneliness on a regular basis and the current lockdown could send that number soaring in the months ahead.
That is why the Co-op is announcing the national launch of Co-operate – an online community centre, available on https://co-operate.coop.co.uk/support. It connects vulnerable people to local and national support initiatives, but also to volunteers who are willing to run virtual events such as exercise classes, music groups, or arts & crafts classes for others, across the country.
Those who sign up to volunteer are asked to list skills they can share and those wanting help are asked if there’s anything they would like to do, meaning potentially thousands of people could find new routes to support people during the pandemic, or find unique ways to connect with others and even learn a new skill.
The platform will also highlight the inspiring activity being carried out by the Co-op’s army of ‘Member Pioneers’ – those colleagues who work with causes and concerns within their local communities. They will be concentrating all their efforts into helping others throughout the crisis.
The Co-op is asking all of its 4.6m members and its 70,000 colleagues to be amongst the first to use the new website, but anyone can visit and get involved. Steve Murrells, the Co-op’s CEO, said: “Because of our high-profile campaigning over recent years, we are fully aware of the impact this lockdown could have on people’s mental wellbeing.
“That is why we are launching this important new platform now, as a great example of how technology can be harnessed to bring people together in order to co-operate.
“In the past, many people have been reluctant to volunteer because they hadn’t got the time and they feared committing to something they would be unable to maintain.
“The coronavirus pandemic has fundamentally changed this in the short term, as people have excess time to help and they’re clear that the commitment is short term and time-bound.
“I’m confident we’ll come through this and the experience will serve to remind us of the power and importance of communities working together. The acts of co-operation and self-sacrifice being made now by so many are really heartening and we hope, through initiatives like Co-operate, they will last way beyond the pandemic and into the long term.”
From essential support right through to online classes, those who can volunteer, require help or know someone who does are encouraged to visit Co-operate, to be matched with local and national organisations. Visit: https://co-operate.coop.co.uk/support
