THREE groups in Ellesmere Port are set to share thousands of pounds worth of funding thanks to Co-op members next year.

The Co-op Local Community Fund supports projects across the UK that their members care about.

Whenever Co-op members, purchase selected Co-op products and services, 2p for every £1 spent is added into their membership account.

An equal amount will be given to the local cause of their choosing.

This year, Youth Fed, Ellesmere Port Oilers Minis and Juniors and Community Ranger Service received a share of £6606 from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

For 2023, it has been announced that Friends of Rivacre Valley, Theatre Porto and 2nd Great Sutton Rainbows have been selected to benefit from the fund.

Carolyn Foster, Co-op Member Pioneer for Ellesmere Port, said: "The Co-op started the Local Community Fund to enable its members to help to create lasting change on the big issues facing us all and provide resources to help strengthen and connect communities.

"This year, the community groups chosen in Ellesmere Port represent three of the Co-op core values: Fair Access to Education and Training for young people, Fair Access to mental health wellbeing and support and the protection of biodiversity/prevention of climate change.

"This gives our members a variety of causes to choose from and really reflects the different aspects of what is important to people who live in our community."

Friends of Rivacre Valley are a constituted group whose aims are to keep the local country park well looked after.

The group want to keep Rivacre Valley well looked after by promoting biodiversity and maintaining the upkeep of the woods and Brook.

Rivacre Valley is a very popular area of town. With the flora and fauna in abundance and the Brook flowing through the woods, it's a wonderful space to get some fresh air and take in nature in its beauty.

Having funding from the Co-op will enable the group to push forward with their projects, run their website and make plans for the future to promote biodiversity for everyone to enjoy.

Theatre Porto are a group who want to make sure every child and young person in Ellesmere Port has the chance to use creativity to reach their potential. 

Wirral Globe:

In 2022 they opened the doors to their brand new, purpose-built venue in the middle of green flag awarded Whitby Park, to provide the very best theatre experiences to children and young people, as both co-creators and audience.

They want to offer unforgettable and free theatre experiences for children and young people who face disadvantages in Ellesmere Port.

The group would like to distribute 1000 tickets to those in need - via charities, schools, youth groups and community groups at £7 per ticket.

2nd Great Sutton Rainbows aim to teach girls to think of their community, of other people and be proud of what they believe in. They want their girls to have fun and make new friends at their sessions.

The group would like to buy some play equipment such as a parachute, bean bags, hula hoops and skipping ropes to encourage teamwork and individual skills.

They would also like to fund an annual trip out for our girls to Chester Zoo, so they can learn about conservation and purchase some arts and crafts materials.

Rainbows is open to all girls aged 4-7 years. The group has members from all parts of Ellesmere Port and many different schools in the area. 

For more information about the community fund, visit here.