Macclesfield: Co-op funding to boost activity programme for The Rossendale Trust's 50th anniversary
The Rossendale Trust will get a big funding boost from the Co-op. Here's how the money will be spent.
By Alex Greensmith
Posted: Thursday, 26th January 2023 12:03 pm
A Macclesfield charity stands to receive thousands of pounds from the Co-op, simply by customers doing their weekly shop.
Co-op members can choose to raise money for 12 Macclesfield local causes in 2023, with one of them being Sutton-based good cause The Rossendale Trust.
The Rossendale Trust is a charitable trust that provides care and support for adults with learning disabilities.
They provide three different services, from supported living, the WorkTaste scheme which gets individuals into local jobs, and finally the Oakwood scheme.
It is the latter of which that the Co-op members will raise money for over the next ten months.
Macclesfield Nub News met with Susanne Tidswell, PR and Fundraising officer at The Rossendale Trust and Jason Blythe who manages the Oakwood programme that the funding will benefit.
"Oakwood provides a range of 20 different activities for tenants of The Rossendale Trust and people that live in the wider community that use our services," said Jason.
"The funds will particularly support our multi-sport activities that we provide in association with Macclesfield FC Community Sports Trust," said Susanne.
"We've recently started the partnership and the money will help take it to the next level.
"This was a new programme we started after users of The Rossendale Trust said they wanted more ballsports in our annual survey.
"The weekly programme of sports activities includes indoor football, hockey, bowling, archery, volleyball and more.
"It promotes social inclusion and the benefits of living an active lifestyle.
"We employ Macclesfield FC Community Sports Trust to deliver the programme and the group loves it. The guys that run it are absolutely fantastic, and being a charity too it is a really strong partnership. [They were even a Co-op local cause recipient themselves in 2022].
"Funds also go to the rent of the buildings and outdoor spaces we host the Oakwood activities in. And without this Co-op funding, we wouldn't be able to do it.
"As well as sport, there are 20 different activities to choose from. And any spare funds will go to maintenance of kit and materials.
"Other activities include a media group which teaches how to use technology, teaching skills through our printing business at The Rossendale Trust, and gardening."
The Oakwood programme rotates every four months, with a plethora of fun things to do on offer. Every Rossendale user can pick their favourite things to do again as well.
"As well as the health benefits, the Oakwood programme particularly has advantages of social interaction," added Jason.
"We have a lot of people that live on their own with a family, so they would only get social interaction with a limited circle of people. But having things to do during the week with Oakwood gives them a structure, something to look forward to and a chance to have fun with friends.
"What is great about choosing us as your Co-op cause is that, you know you are going to be paying for a specific service in Oakwood, you know where your money raised is going."
More things to do in the Oakwood programme include gaming, drama, music and art.
You can find more about Oakwood at The Rossendale Trust on this link. The funding could not come at a more ceremonious time, as the Hollin Lane good cause is to celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.
"A huge thank you to everyone who chooses to support The Rossendale Trust, whether through the Co-op app or donating independently", added Susanne.
"The Oakwood programme makes a huge difference to people living in our community, and we couldn't continue putting it on without support from the likes of the Co-op and their members.
"We are going to be so busy this year for our 50th birthday, with a packed events calendar. We have a ladies' lunch, fashion show and summer fete. We've also got a new fundraising wine tasting event coming up in a few weeks, and in June we will hold our very first ball at Macclesfield Town Hall which will be a wonderful celebration of the last half-century.
"We have an amazing team here but we do need the support of the community. We are very grateful for your support."
The Co-op funding will be presented to The Rossendale Trust in November, and you can raise money for it now.
Co-op Macclesfield Member Pioneer Tina Davies-Wrench had this to say about the partnership.
"In my opinion the Co-op should support local causes like The Rossendale Trust as the money will help them to support people to live an independent life and be part of the community," she said.
"I believe Co-op customers should become members, so that they can take advantage of the special offers every week.
"It only costs £1 to join, 2% goes to local causes, 2% in the customer's savings pot and 1% to our national causes.
"Plus, every time you buy a carrier bag 10p is used to top up the local cause's pot for when we present the funds to them."
Simply become a Co-op member, do your regular shop and select The Rossendale Trust on the Co-op app. Co-op membership helps support your local community, with great rewards and deals for you too.
When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and the Co-op gives the same to local communities.
It doesn't cost you a penny to raise money for local causes, just become a Co-op Member and shop as you please.
Just make sure you select The Rossendale Trust on the Co-op app if you want your money to go to them!
Join the Co-op today online at this webpage or in-store.
Click on these links to find out more about the Local Community Fund.
See Also: Twelve Macclesfield causes the Co-op will raise money for in 2023
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