MORE than 20 groups from around Clackmannanshire have received a share of funding from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

The Co-op has donated £27,457 between the 21 groups who are all making a real difference to their communities.

Since 2016 the Local Community Fund has given a total of £205,571 to the area.

A Co-op survey earlier in the year found that more than three quarters (76 per cent) of community causes surveyed expected demand for their services to increase dramatically – especially services that champion mental wellbeing support, opportunities for young people and provide access to food.

Forth Valley Riding for the Disabled is one of the groups who benefited from the fund and will use the money to renew their disabled toilet.

The Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside Community Council who plan to use the funding to help the community connect.

Damian Sherwood-Johnson, chairman of the community council, said: "The community council is extremely delighted to receive this generous funding from the Co-op and we want to thank everyone in the local community who helped to raise this fantastic amount.

“The social events now possible because of this donation form part of our post-covid recovery, particularly by reducing isolation by making new connections within the community.”

The Local Community Fund is generated by members trading across the Co-op’s businesses and supports grassroots projects across the UK, encouraging members to choose a local cause to support from a selection that are building stronger, more resilient communities.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of Community and Shared Value at the Co-op, said: “Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen more Co-op members than ever play an active role in supporting their community by selecting a cause. Our insight has told us that support for mental wellbeing, access to food and education and employment for young people, are key for helping communities as they get back on their feet

“We’re delighted to see the incredible amount Co-op members have raised over the past five years, by listening closely to our local communities and providing the long-term investment and support they need, our members and customers have all helped make their communities places where we can all be proud to live and work.”

Visit coop.co.uk/membership to learn more about supporting the local community.