Central Co-op celebrates one year with Samaritans, raising £350,000 to support mental health services

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 10/10/2025

Today (10th October 2025), on World Mental Health Day, Central Co-op is celebrating one year of partnership with Samaritans, marking an incredible milestone of £350,000 raised to support the charity’s life-saving work.

The partnership was launched on World Mental Health Day 2024 following overwhelming guidance from Central Co-op Members, who voted for a charity partner focused on mental health and emotional wellbeing. After an extensive process involving hundreds of charity applicants and nearly 17,000 Member votes, Samaritans was chosen to be the Society’s charity partner.

Over the past year, Central Co-op colleagues, Members and customers have come together across communities to fundraise in creative and inspiring ways - from in-store raffles and dawn walks to bake sales and sponsored challenges. Every penny raised helps Samaritans continue to provide free, round-the-clock emotional support to anyone struggling to cope.

To make supporting Samaritans even easier, Central Co-op Members and customers can donate every time they shop by using the Pennies scheme - rounding up card payments by 10p on purchases over £5 at Central Co-op stores and petrol stations.

Hannah Gallimore, Social Change Manager at Central Co-op, said: “Our Members told us loud and clear that mental health matters to them, and we’re proud to have turned that commitment into meaningful action. Reaching £350,000 in our first year is a testament to the compassion and energy of our colleagues and customers. Together, we’re helping Samaritans be there for anyone who needs someone to listen - day or night.”

The funds raised by Central Co-op this year will help Samaritans continue answering calls, emails and online chats, recruit and train volunteers, and keep local branches open across the UK and Ireland.

The Society is also encouraging Birmingham-based Members to get involved in upcoming community fundraisers, including a charity pantomime by Great Barr Musical Theatre Co-operative in November, where 50% of ticket sales will go directly to Samaritans.

As the partnership enters its second year, Central Co-op will continue to champion mental health awareness across its communities - not only through fundraising, but by encouraging everyday acts of kindness and connection.

For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/, details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004