Central Co-op’s inclusion network brings South Asian Heritage Month to life for colleagues

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 25/07/2025

Central Co-op has marked South Asian Heritage Month (18th July - 17th August) with a vibrant colleague-led celebration at its Support Centre in Lichfield, showcasing the power of inclusion networks in shaping workplace culture.

The event was led by We Are One, one of Central Co-op’s colleague inclusion networks dedicated to embracing ethnic and cultural diversity. Festivities began at the Central Co-op Support Centre in Lichfield with a colourful walk led by a horse from Victorian Carriages adorned in a South Asian-inspired feathered headdress, accompanied by high-energy drumming from local group Beat Asylum. Colleagues from the We Are One network followed in procession, drawing smiles and interest from the public.

The walk along Queen Street, a central part of the launch, symbolised the blending of cultural traditions, with the horse - often used in Central Co-op’s funeral services - honouring the diversity of end-of-life customs within the communities the Society serves.

Central Co-op’s colleague inclusion networks were launched just over a year ago, born from a desire to give colleagues greater voice and agency in shaping a fair and inclusive workplace. Since their launch, networks such as We Are One (ethnicity), Pride (LGBTQAI+), EmpowHER (gender equality), NextGen (under 25s) and Ability (disability inclusion) have begun to create safe spaces, deliver awareness campaigns, advise on policies and curate events that reflect the diverse lived experiences of colleagues and communities.

Selina Butterfield-Mashoofi, Chief Finance and Technology Officer at Central Co-op and Executive Sponsor of the We Are One inclusion network, said: “This celebration reflects the incredible work our colleague networks are doing to make inclusion meaningful, visible and valued. We Are One ensures that ethnic and cultural diversity is recognised, celebrated and supported, helping us create a workplace where everyone can thrive.”

Central Co-op’s approach to inclusion is built around colleague involvement, lived experience and continuous learning, with active colleague inclusion networks for race, gender, disability, LGBTQAI+ and young people. These groups are central to delivering the Society’s commitment to fairness, equity and belonging for all.

For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/, or for 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