Some good news from the other 5,999 UK co-operatives
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Recent revelations from the Co-operative Group about selling farms, executive pay and the resignation of the chief executive have dominated headlines.These are, of course, very serious issues, but the movement doesn’t begin and end with the Group.It’s time to celebrate the good things co-operatives do. It’s time for some good news.
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Feeling need for #coops #goodnews. How about @sharenergy_uk supporting @LGVcic share issue for 2nd hydro scheme http://www.sharenergy.coop/blog/2014/03/06/llangattock-green-valleys-launch-second-hydro-co-op-share-offer/ …
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This week Co-operatives UK secretary general Ed Mayo appeared on the BBC to talk about the benefits of co-ops and remind viewers that the Group is just one of around 6,000 co-operatives in the UK.
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It’s been a roller-coaster of a day, with @euansutherland bowing out. My high? Visiting @GreenCityCoop Glasgow, 1 of 6,000 inspiring #coops
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We’ll also be talking things through with @stephbreakfast on @BBCBreakfast at 7.50am, discussing all the benefits of the #coops model.
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Co-operatives can be an amazing source of safety and empowerment …
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A holiday centre set-up by women for women
Over the past 23 years, Horton Women’s Holiday Centre has been providing affordable holidays for thousands of women and children in the UK. A charitable co-operative, the centre was set up in 1981 by a group of women involved in feminism and the women’s liberation movement who wanted to offer affordable holidays with a sliding scale for payments according to income. -
The co-operatives empowering immigrants across the world
In the UK and across the world, co-operatives help provide a better life for immigrants and asylum seekers. While the British media continues to debate the positive and negative effects of immigration, little attention has been given to successful enterprises set up or led by immigrants – many of these being co-operatives. -
… and can foster great good within the creative sector.
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Community turns former co-op into music venue and business centre
This year, Wakefield’s annual Long Division music festival will be different. It will take place in September instead of June, postponed so that Unity Hall, a community building currently under refurbishment, can be at the centre of proceedings. Community benefit society Unity House Wakefield Ltd is bringing an ornate former co-operative back to its former glory. -
Jazz club issues shares to create UK’s first co-operative jazz venue
Newcastle could host UK’s first co-operatively owned jazz venue.With support from the Co-operative Enterprise Hub, the Pink Lane Jazz Co-op launched a community share offer to raise funds to set up a co-operatively owned jazz club. Pink Lane Jazz Co-op was founded by a group of poets, jazz music lovers and local residents following the death of Keith Crombie in December 2012. -
Still true to co-operative principles | PrintWeek
Over 37 years, Calverts has built a printing business in which every worker’s voice is heard. The challenge It’s a disquieting prospect for any print MD. The idea that every so often, just a few rooms away, one of their workers probably comes up with the beginnings of a bright idea, but then, perhaps not through any glaring fault of the company’s, this never makes it anywhere. -
They can provide solutions to problems …
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Birmingham library staff propose co-operative solution to cuts
Staff at Birmingham’s libraries are proposing a new community library co-operative. They are working up a management buyout proposal in the face of plans to close four of the city’s 39 libraries. Birmingham City Council deputy leader Ian Ward (Labour) met senior library workers to discuss the move earlier this month. -
‘We saved our pub!’ Suffolk’s first co-operative pub opens its doors for the community http://a.s.coop/1e99lKs #coops #saveourpubs #pubs
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… and when big problems arise, co-operatives pull together to help through both fundraising and practical support.
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Scotmid and Prostate Cancer UK achieve fundraising target
Scotmid Co-operative has raised over £150,000 for Prostate Cancer UK – six months into its charity partnership. As well as raising funds for research into prostate cancer, the charity partnership is also aimed at increasing awareness among employees and local communities. -
How an Essex society makes a big difference
In Co-operative News’ Community Impact Index published in January, Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society was a strong performer, giving over 15% of its profits last year to charitable, community and co-operative causes. We look at the ways the society is making a difference. -
Co-ops support their flood-affected communities
Co-operatives in areas affected by floods and storms are supporting their communities. The Co-operative Group in Somerset has launched a countywide campaign to help those affected, Midcounties Co-operative has set up an emergency fund for members and Kingsbury Community Shop in Kingsbury Escopi has become an important hub for local flood victims. Workers at the community co-op in Kingsbury Episcopi, on the edge of the floods on the Somerset Levels, have been working tirelessly to help those affected. -
British co-operatives help victims of Typhoon Haiyan
Co-operative societies from across the UK have joined the campaign to support the victims of typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines last November. The Co-operative Group is supporting the recovery efforts in the Philippines by donating £50,000 to the Disaster Emergency Committee to help provide basic necessities for those affected by the typhoon. -
Co-operatives also actively seek positive change on a political scale.
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Co-operative blueprint for Wales is a call to action for the rest of the UK, says @coopnews. We agree.
http://www.thenews.coop/56932/news/general/co-operative-blueprint-wales-call-action-rest-uk/ … @CoopsWales -
The manifesto for social change
With a mission to shape the British economy into something more equal, transparent and sustainable, a new voice is pushing a social economy agenda. The Social Economy Alliance – spearheaded by 24 organisations, including Co-operative Energy, Co-operatives UK and the Wales Co-operative Centre – is drafting up proposals to encourage political parties to include a more social outlook in its manifestos for the 2015 general election. -
Co-operatives come in all shapes and sizes, but what do all these stories have in common? People working together for mutual social, economic, and cultural benefit.
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When times are tough, pull together. I do appreciate the many messages of support in the context of what’s emerging around @TheCooperative
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What other co-operative good news have you heard recently? Let us know and we’ll add it below …
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