CO-OP workers in Wyre Forest have launched a search for a new charity partner as it looks to strengthen its links in the community.

Staff at the Midcounties Co-operative’s businesses in the district have been taking part in Cooperative Fortnight to highlight the work the company does for charities and the communities they are in.

In the past two years, the Co-op – which has 18,730 members in Wyre Forest - has raised £20,000 for Kemp Hospice after it was chosen as their charity partner.

And Bob Richens, who is a leadership team ambassador for Wyre Forest, said they were on the search for another cause to support from next year.

Other aims for the Co-op include combating loneliness, continuing to volunteer and support charitable projects and raising awareness of the company’s work amongst younger people.

Among the projects it supports is young persons’ homeless charity St Basils, helping food banks and providing donations and carrying out volunteering work for groups such as 1st Kidderminster Sea Scout, Cub and Beavers.

Mr Richens said: “I am passionate about what we do and believe in the greater community good. As a business model it is unique.

“Members were asked locally who we should enter into a charitable partnership and Kemp was chosen, so we have worked closely with them.

“We are now looking for a new charity partner to support. It isn’t just about handing over money – we work with them to ensure they make the most of the donation in the long term.”

Mr Richens added that the company is arranging meetings with local groups that work to tackle loneliness, particularly amongst elderly people.

He said: “Loneliness can have a big impact on residents and families – in fact, more than two fifths of people surveyed by the Mental Health Foundation said they have felt depressed because they felt alone.

“Our work in the communities where we operate is about building a legacy to improve the lives of people in Wyre Forest, and we’re confident that we can make a real difference to residents and local community groups by focusing our support on tackling loneliness.”

Such work has seen Midcounties become one of only three businesses awarded the top five-star rating in the coveted Corporate Responsibility Index.

Anyone wishing to find out more or get involved in the Co-op’s Regional Communities Programme can do so by visiting www.midcounties.coop/community