The Co-op updates Co-operate service amid coronavirus outbreak
The Co-op reports that it launched Co-operate: get or offer support during coronavirus nine days after the UK government announced a lockdown.
This is an extension of its Co-operate online platform, which the retailer rolled out last year.
The service connects those who needs support amid the coronavirus outbreak with organisations, groups and schemes that can help.
“We wanted to help people come together to make good things happen in their community. We were growing region by region as we learned what worked for each community – we were live in Leeds, Bollington, Trafford. Next up was Camden,” the Co-op says in an online post.
“But the lockdown meant communities were no longer able to come together in person. The clean-up initiatives and walking groups we were encouraging, now couldn’t happen. So the way Co-operate brought people together needed to change.”
There are a lot of initiatives being formed, and online activities and events being set up at the moment, it adds. “We want to help people make sense of everything that’s available and direct them to the most relevant place to get or offer support.”
The new service went live on Co-operate on 1st April. As of 7th April, 343 people had asked for support and 3,217 people had offered support. Adam Warburton, Head of Digital Products, says: “Now is the moment that community is in the consciousness of everyone in the country. Now could be the start of a new community movement.”
