Co-Operative Cash for Birkenhead Art Project

Oct 19 2012

Jill Carter, Imogen Boyle, Carl Thompson, Bethany Jackson and Sheila Coper

BIRKENHEAD'S Stronger Communities Assembly, a group that provides opportunities for the local community to get to know each other and work together for the benefit of the local area, has received a £500 cash boost from The Co-operative’s Community Fund.

The money enabled the group to run ‘pop up’ poetry and art sessions across four deprived housing estates. Residents had the opportunity to work with professional artists in a familiar environment, working with paint, textile and clay, as well as words, to express their emotions about the local area and community. Art work from the events was then displayed at the Williamson Gallery.

The Community Fund is created by members of The Co-operative Group who elect to donate all, or part of their twice-yearly dividend payments directly to the scheme. The funds are then shared with local community projects and groups, such as the Stronger Communities Assembly, across the country.

Dave Gower from the Stronger Communities Assembly said: “It is fantastic that members of The Co-operative have chosen to support us in our activities. Our events encourage people to be vocal about the area in which they live, to identify ways to make it better, and then to go and make that happen with their neighbours. We want to build confidence in this local community and encourage a sense of pride among residents.”

Sheila Cooper from The Co-operative’s Merseyside Membership Committee said: “Because our members own the business, they get a share in any of the profits we make. It’s a scheme we’re very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people choose to give something back to local communities.”