THREE years on from Brexit, co-operatives are coming together in two weeks of unity projects.
With new research showing that 58% of people think their community is more divided since June 2016, Co-op Fortnight aims to be a reminder of why people should work together.
Co-operatives are businesses owned and controlled by their members which contribute £36bn to the UK economy, from high street retailers to community owned pubs, fan-owned football clubs to farming businesses.
From June 24, they will be carrying out ‘acts of co-operation’ such as community clean-ups, foodbank collections and encouraging members of the public to share the power of co-operation on social media.
The Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative will be flying the flag for Co-op Fortnight. The worker co-op – with five shops and website – was a pioneer in making cycle shopping more accessible.
“We do grass roots outreach, working in schools, teaching children elements of cycle repair and servicing,” said Managing Director Alan Nestor.
In one school, Edinburgh’s Wester Hailes Education Centre, the co-op delivered coaching to pupils.
“There’s camaraderie, and a sense of belonging because we have this common interest in bikes,” Nestor added.
“But there’s more to it than that – people join for the bikes and they stay for the co-op. Our members are passionate about the product and the way we do business. It gives you a sense of ownership and achievement. You can see the fruits of your labour. And that’s important. I truly believe that individual members and members as a group can really make a difference.”
Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK said; “Co-ops around the world share the same strong values and principles, and all year round they have a positive impact on the communities in which they are based.
“We’re coming together during Co-op Fortnight to show everyone why co-operation is what the world really needs right now and we’d love it if the public joined in, creating a host of positive stories as they tag friends and family. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, a simple act of teamwork can lift the spirits and help to heal some of the divisions caused by Brexit.”
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