£20 vouchers are a vital lifeline in Holdingham

As part of Co-op Fortnight 2020, we're celebrating some of the inspirational work our colleagues and local communities have been doing during the coronavirus pandemic to show co-operation and togetherness.

We paired our food stores and pharmacies with local community groups, who were supporting vulnerable people, to enable them to get the essential items they needed such as groceries and prescriptions. Some of the local groups that we have been working with have gone above and beyond these essential trips and providing much needed extra support to our local residents.🌈

One such group is the Holdingham Helpers, organised by Councillor Robert Oates. We wanted to give them a big shout out on Co-op Fortnight for the fantastic work they are doing to help those effected by coronavirus and the lockdown situation.

Not only are they offering services such as collecting shopping and prescriptions but they also walk dogs and make friendly phone calls.

They have 42 volunteers so far who have helped many people multiple times. In fact, as of the 25th June, they have at 100 days of lockdown, helped their 100th resident - what a fantastic achievement! ⭐

They've also welcomed our £20 voucher scheme where those isolating could purchase vouchers over the phone and give them to volunteers, family or friends to use as payment for shopping in our stores, rather than having to worry about cash or bank cards.

Councillor Oates has said: "Lincolnshire Co-op £20 voucher scheme over the phone has been a lifeline for many elderly people who are isolating at home."

Since our scheme started in March 2020, we have so far sold £11,640 worth of vouchers and people have been getting in touch multiple times to order more as it's the only way they can pay their volunteers or family to collect their shopping. That's 582 vouchers that have helped people get what they need - fantastic news!

To read more about the great work local community groups are doing, why not take a look at our new Community Noticeboard - it's jam packed with stories and pictures from your local area and beyond. 👍