Local communities will benefit from improvements in mental health services and domestic abuse support following a donation of nearly £100,000.
Lincolnshire Co-op members and colleagues came together to raise £99,058 for a number of local charities through the Society’s Community Champions scheme.
One of the charities that benefited is EDAN Lincs Domestic Abuse Service, which received a total of £35,725.
EDAN Lincs offers support across the county to those exposed to domestic abuse by providing safe, emergency accommodation, and advice via an Outreach Support Service. With a rise in calls during lockdown, the need for donations was more evident than ever.
Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Co-ordinator, Danielle Budworth, outside Newark Road Food Store holding the grand total
Fundraising Co-ordinator at EDAN Lincs, Lucy said: “As a small charity, it’s often difficult to be seen and heard amongst the larger national charities.
“We feel privileged that Lincolnshire Co-op has recognised EDAN Lincs and the amazing work our team does to support men, women, and children that are living with or fleeing domestic abuse.”
Thanks to the donation, EDAN Lincs will now be able to employ a full time Fundraising Co-ordinator and will also use the money raised to fund emergency transport for individuals escaping their domestic situation.
Funds were also raised for Lincolnshire Mental Health Hubs, a charity which works closely with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The hubs provide a local initial point of contact for those who are experiencing mental health difficulties. According to the charity, 92 per cent of the calls the hub takes result in the caller receiving community-based support, instead of further services.
The charity intends to use the donation of £38,765 to open new locations, increasing the number of hubs from five to nine. Improvements to services, following the donation, means that charity workers can reach communities quicker, raise awareness and provide services where they’re needed the most.
Several other charities across the area also received donations, including multiple branches of the mental health charity, Mind, and the domestic abuse service, Women’s Aid.
EDAN Lincs’ Lucy W, Fundraising Co-ordinator (left) and Celia Madden, CEO with the cushions made by Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues
Despite members and colleagues not being able to get out and about to raise funds in the ways they normally would, many got creative with their fundraising efforts.
A donation of 218 handmade cushions was also made to three domestic abuse charities. These were sewn by Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues, The Horncastle Scrub Hub, and Impish Quilters of Lincoln, and will be given to people in the care of refuges to take with them when they’re ready to move on.
From June to September, every time a Lincolnshire Co-op member shopped with their dividend card, a contribution was made to the causes. Proceeds from the carrier bag levy and colleague fundraising also went towards the final total.
Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Engagement Manager Sam Turner said: “We knew that domestic abuse and mental health charities would experience a surge in demand during lockdown and we were keen to support these services through our Community Champions scheme.
“We’re thrilled with the effort colleagues put in during fundraising, particularly during these difficult times. We’re so thankful to our members and the general public for their generosity in helping raise such a fantastic total.
“These charities provide support and services that are vital for so many people. We hope the total raised will make a big difference to these causes and the communities they support.”
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