Macclesfield: Here's how The Bridgend Centre will spend funds donated by Bollington Co-op

The charity is at the heart of the community, bringing people together and helping them make friends


By Alex Greensmith

Posted: Thursday, 03rd August 2023 1:01 pm


The Bridgend Centre is here for the community Monday to Saturday, every week.
The Bridgend Centre is here for the community Monday to Saturday, every week.
Local initiatives

Later this year, a lump sum will be donated to Bollington charity The Bridgend Centre by the Co-op Food.

The funds will be raised by Co-op members across Macclesfield, who raise funds for over 12 Macclesfield charities just by doing their shopping.

The Co-op will present what is set to be thousands of pounds to the Palmerston Street charity this November.

They did the same last year, where almost £4,200 was raised to be spent on their calming outdoor garden space.

Wooden ornaments in the peaceful, lush garden at The Bridgend Centre. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield Nub News caught up with The Bridgend Centre Manager Rebecca Lea to find out what the Co-op funds raised this year will go to.

"The Bridgend Centre is one of the Co-op local community causes for the Bollington and Poynton stores," said Rebecca.

"This year, money from the Co-op is funding woodcraft classes in our workshop at our Centre in the heart of Bollington.

"Run by our wonderful tutor Lindsey, the course is aimed at beginners and takes place on a Wednesday morning.

So if you are buying orange juice or a meal deal from the Co-op, your money could go towards woodwork classes at The Bridgend Centre.

"Each course four weeks in length and a different item is made on each one, including a set of shelves, a garden trug and a bird box. 

"This project makes a difference by providing people with access to a unique learning environment in the heart of the community.

"It improves skills, enables socialising, keeps people active, increases confidence and improves mental health outcomes.

"It will also promote environmental awareness by focusing on the recycling and re-use of items to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. 

The community organisation is located at 104 Palmerston St, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5PW. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"If you would like your spending at the Co-op to support this project, it is really easy to do so.

"If you haven't already done so, you would need to join the Co-op as a member, which costs £1.

"Once you have done so, just log into your Co-op account online or in the Co-op app and select the Bridgend Centre as your chosen charity.

"You can get more information on joining at this link."

The charity was founded in 1990.

Beyond this November, the registered charity will hope to become a Co-op cause in the years to come.

The Bridgend Centre is an inclusive charity which helps tackle loneliness in the community.

As well as having an absolute treasure trove of a charity shop at their HQ on Palmerston Street, they have a mini-coffee shop, and space for a wide range of social activities.

As well as hosting group walks, coffee mornings and a space that blossoms hundreds of new friendships a year, The Bridgend Centre has also served the community as a 'warm hub' during the cost of living crisis.

The Bridgend Centre staff Manager Rebecca Lea and Anna Hatley Community Worker, pictured receiving last year's Co-op cheque. They'll hope for a similar amount this year, but need your help! (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

They also recently-launched a bus service to take groups of people to various retail parks, for big days out.

Co-op membership costs just a £1. Simply pay your membership at this link, download the app, and select within the app that you'd like your funds raised to go to The Bridgend Centre to start helping.

For more information about the charity, please head to their website where you can subscribe to their email list for regular updates.

Macclesfield: You can follow the charity on social media.

The registered charity is at the heart of the community, bringing people together, providing them with new activities and things to do.

See Also: Grassroots football in Bollington thriving thanks to support from Macclesfield Co-op

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