Colleagues volunteer over 530 hours to support communities

Over 240 Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues from across the business have volunteered more than 530 hours in the past six months, supporting a range of community initiatives and good causes.

The local co-operative encourages colleagues to give back to their communities through its Colleague Community Hours programme, which grants colleagues with 16 hours of paid volunteering annually.

Regional Property Manager Alex Clifton and Property Surveyor Jack Deakin have both completed their hours, by volunteering at the Ermine Library Community Cuppa in Lincoln every Wednesday.

The Community Cuppa attracts a mix of people, including several families with young children. It offers a warm space, refreshments and company, and there’s also arts, crafts and games for entertainment.

Alex said: “Knowing you’re supporting your local community is a great feeling, and it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to volunteer through work.

“Volunteering at the Community Cuppa is such a nice end to the day, and something I look forward to each week – working with the children is incredibly rewarding!”

Last year, Alex used her colleague hours to volunteer in the warehouse at Lincoln Food Bank, which she has continued to support, and she also volunteers with Let Them Eat Cake, a charity that provides homeless people with essential supplies.

Jack Deakin also used some of his colleague hours to support last year’s St Barnabas Torchlight Procession in Lincoln.

Jack said: “I first volunteered because I wanted to support the local community, and now the Community Cuppa is probably the best two hours of my week! I’ve formed great relationships with so many people here.

“I love getting involved in all the arts and crafts and games, and every week I’m bringing home something different that I’ve made with the children that attend – it's always so much fun!”

Colleagues can use their community hours in a variety of ways; helping to sort donations and packing parcels at local food banks, taking part in environmental projects like painting fences and weeding, fundraising for Community Champions, and more.

During the co-op's Secret Santa campaign in 2025, colleagues used their employer-funded volunteering hours to wrap and sort presents for vulnerable families.

Local people can get involved with volunteering; across the local area, the society supports 92 Wellbeing Walks and 41 Community Cuppa’s that are volunteer led.

Lincolnshire Co-op also runs three libraries in Waddington, Spilsby and Holbeach, each supported by their own teams of dedicated volunteers.

Mary Leggett, Lincolnshire Co-op Senior Community Co-ordinator, said: “We’re always blown away by how enthusiastic our colleagues are to support their communities, and the groups are so appreciative of the time they give.

“Our purpose is to make life better in our communities and, thanks to not only our colleagues but also our incredible volunteers, we’re able to make a positive impact to vital services.”