Tag: Bognor

My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre supported with essential donations

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A funeral co-ordinator in Rose Green is looking forward to making the first delivery of donated goods after she helped set up collection boxes in three locations earlier this year.

Shirley Heaton at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Nyetimber Lane initially approached the Bognor Regis charity My Sisters’ House and had a meeting with the CEO as it was a cause that touched her and her colleagues’ hearts.

The other Southern Co-op branches in Felpham and North Bersted also agreed to back the cause and were pleased to support the charity with a £400 donation via the Neighbourly Community Fund.

Southern Co-op – a regional, independent co-operative – donated £40,000 to the Neighbourly fund which was set up to support the causes and individuals most affected by the pandemic.

Shirley, who lives in the area, said: “I was given a tour of their offices and told about some of the services they offer to women. I was blown away with the support they offer to women in need of their help.

“When women finally take the step to move on from a relationship which has involved domestic abuse, they often have nothing. So one of the first things we wanted to help with was having collection boxes in our branches.

“Simple things like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks and pants are all things we take for granted but, when you don’t have these, life is especially hard. My Sisters’ House gives out these items in the form of packs to help these women.”

My Sisters’ House is a women’s centre in Bognor Regis which provides advice, practical support and guidance to women who are suffering domestic abuse, poverty and mental health issues.

Julie Budge, CEO and Founder of My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre, said: “COVID-19 has resulted in many more families and individuals living in poverty where the choice is to buy food instead of basic toiletries. Coming up to Christmas this will be crucial as we will give out so many more packs.

“We are grateful for the donations being made as some of the things we are currently in need of are shampoo, deodorant, talcum powder, body wash, toothpaste, tooth brushes, flannels, towels, new underwear and hairbrushes.”

The charity celebrated International Women’s Day ahead of lockdown on Friday 6 March which the branches donated items for the tombola stall and volunteered at the event including baking cakes for refreshments.

Shirley said: “It’s been a taxing time for us all but we want to let people know that the donation boxes are still open for people to drop off goods to us for My Sisters’ House.

“Due to lockdown, we’ve only just been able to get enough together to make the donation which we’re looking forward to dropping off to the centre very soon. A big thank you to everyone who has helped with this.”

Colleagues at Southern Co-op’s free bereavement support service, Bereavement Care, have also offered their help in assisting with counselling and training in bereavement workshops.

To find out more about making a donation, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare – Rose Green on 01243 268681 or RoseGreenFuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

Organisations based near Southern Co-op’s stores or funeral homes can apply for grants using their new or existing Neighbourly profiles via www.neighbourly.com/goodcause/ and using the referral code SouthernCoopPartner.

Supported housing gets a spruce-up

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Individuals in Bognor were given the gift of a newly refurbished home in time for the new year thanks to help from some local present-givers.

Volunteers from The Co-operative Funeralcare branches in Rose Green, North Bersted and Felpham swapped their uniforms for less formal attire to help Stonepillow with one of its supported accommodation houses in Bognor.

Stonepillow is a homeless charity for the Chichester and Arun Districts and offers shelter, information and support to homeless and vulnerable individuals.

Amy White, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Chichester Road, North Bersted, said: “It was an incredibly wet and dreary day but it didn’t matter because we knew that a bit of elbow grease might give a lift to someone who needed it.

“Our funeral branches are all part of Southern Co-op and we are supported to make a difference to our community through fundraising or volunteering. But it is charities like Stonepillow that are the real heroes.

“Stonepillow makes a real impact on the lives of people on their journey out of homelessness. Thank you.”

Laura Bulbeck, PR & Events Manager at Stonepillow, said: “Christmas can be an especially difficult time for people who are homeless and we are so grateful for the support we receive from the local community. We would like to say a huge thank you to The Co-operative Funeralcare team for brightening up one of our properties.”

To find out more about how you can help visit www.stonepillow.org.uk.

Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ aims to help communities become greener, healthier, safer and more inclusive.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/makingadifference/.

An act of kindness has a knock-on effect in West Sussex

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A Bognor defibrillator donated by local co-operative colleagues has led to life-saving devices being installed in five other centres.

The Laburnum Centre in Lyon Street approached The Co-operative Funeralcare branch in North Bersted earlier this year to see if it could help fund a new defibrillator.

The centre is an over 50s activity hub in Bognor run by Age UK West Sussex and it holds more than 80 classes a week for members.

With nearly 1,200 members, the co-operative colleagues were only too happy to help and joined up with their colleagues in Rose Green and Felpham to donate £950.

Angela Austin, Funeral Co-ordinator at the North Bersted branch – part of Southern Co-op, said: “The centre is absolutely brilliant. It’s a real hub. Being part of a regional, independent co-operative, we do our best to support our local community through donations or volunteering so this was a perfect fit as the centre makes a difference to so many people.

“We are lucky to have this centre at Bognor so we were delighted to be able to help them like they help so many others.”

The defibrillator is now in place at the Laburnum Centre where Southern Co-op’s Bereavement Centre has also been holding free monthly support groups since June 2018.

Activities at the hub include painting, calligraphy, digital photography, mahjong, crib, bridge, bingo, family history classes, Tai Chi, dance, yoga, circuit training and walking football to name a few.

Sarah Smith, Bognor Regis Manager for Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, said: “We also have a thriving gym which is increasing in members on a daily basis. We have a group of key staff and volunteers who are always in the gym so nobody is left to their own devices so people feel very safe and confident in their work out sessions.

“Due to the growing numbers in our gym and exercise classes over time we thought it was prudent to try and get a defibrillator. We approached the Southern Co-op as we have always had a fantastic working relationship with Angela and the team and she was sure she could put forward the idea and get us some help. And the rest is history.

“When we advised our head office of the money we would soon be receiving from Southern Co-op to purchase the defibrillator, it started alarm bells ringing. My boss, Gary Hardley put forward that all his activity centres should really have one of these bits of kit on site. Head office agreed and have secured funding for equipment for the Crawley, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Adur and Arun centres.

“This is great news for all concerned. Thank you to the Southern Co-op for starting the ball rolling.”

Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.

Charity quiz returns to help tackle poverty

Posted on by ashleymarsh

After raising nearly £1,000 for charity in 2018, a quiz is returning to Bognor Regis to continue to tackle the town’s poverty.

Being organised by The Co-operative Funeralcare branches in Rose Green, Bognor Regis and Felpham, colleagues are holding the quiz to raise money for The Bognor Regis Lions Club – Wenceslas Appeal.

The appeal is aimed at helping people get out of fuel poverty during the winter.

Lindsey Booker, Funeral Co-ordinator, said: “The night is more than just a few answers on a blank sheet of paper. It includes a fish and chips supper as well as the chance to win some amazing prizes in a raffle.

“Last year’s was so much fun. We couldn’t have hoped for better. We raised so much essential funding for the appeal and the feedback we had was really positive.

“It is such an incredibly important issue that we want to help to fight. Being able to turn your heating on when you get cold should not be a luxury.”

The funeral homes are part of the regional, independent co-operative – Southern Co-op which encourages its colleagues to hold fundraisers, make donations and volunteer as part of its community engagement programme.

Earlier this year, the local funeralcare colleagues teamed together to wash cars for The Bognor Regis Lions Club – Wenceslas Appeal and raised £178 in total.

The charity quiz and supper is being held on Saturday 12 October at 7pm in the Rowland Rank Centre, at 205 Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 3QG.

Tickets are £10 per person including food with four to six people per team. Individuals are welcome.

Places can be booked at any of the three Southern Co-op funeral branches in Rose Green, Bognor Regis and Felpham. Click here to find your nearest branch details.

Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/makingadifference/.

Get your wheels washed for charity

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Colleagues at funeral homes Bognor Regis are dusting off their rags ready for a charity car wash on Saturday 6 July.

Last year £180 was raised by colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare thanks to donations from queues of cars eagerly waiting for a summer clean.

Cars and vans of all shapes and sizes are once again invited to the charity car wash to help raise funds for The Bognor Regis Lions Club – Wenceslas Appeal.

The Bognor Regis Lions Club – Wenceslas Appeal is aimed at helping people get out of fuel poverty during the winter.

Amy White, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Bognor, said: “We are really lucky to have such a large forecourt at our sister branch in Rose Green which means we can line up lots of vehicles for a spit and polish.

“Everyone worked really hard last year so we know it is not going to be an easy ride but the cause is worth the effort. We look forward to seeing lots of friendly faces again on the day!”

The three funeral homes taking part are based in Rose Green, Felpham and North Bersted and are part of the regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op.

They support a number of local community groups such as the Wenceslas Appeal through Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme.

The programme, ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’, addresses four key social themes for promoting ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

Amy added: “In the middle of summer, it is easy to forget about the struggles people face when it gets colder but this is a cause we need to support all year around. People shouldn’t have to make a choice between food or heat.”

The charity car wash will take place on Saturday 6 July between 10am and 1pm at The Co-operative Funeralcare, at no.6 Nyetimber Lane, Rose Green.

Small cars will be asked for a £5 donation and large cars/vans will be asked for a £10 donation.

To find out more about the Love Your Neighbourhood scheme, click here.

Hunting for treasure in Felpham

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Become Sherlock Holmes for the afternoon and practice your detective skills for a charity treasure hunt in Felpham.

Everyone is invited to the treasure hunt on Saturday 18 May to raise money to tackle fuel poverty in and around the local area.

Being organised by colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare branches in Rose Green, North Bersted and Felpham, the event starts from Grassmere Car Park at 11am – parking is free.

It is a walking treasure hunt with clues located in and around Felpham village finishing with a Ploughman’s Lunch at the end venue.

Shirley Heaton, Funeral Co-ordinator at the Rose Green funeral home which is part of Southern Co-op, said: “Being part of the regional, independent co-operative, we get the opportunity to support local good causes like The Bognor Regis Lions Club and its Wenceslas Appeal.

“The appeal supports those that have to make a choice between food or heat so we hope any money raised will make a big difference to people living in the area.

“We also wanted to do something a bit special so have partnered with our colleagues to put on the treasure hunt. There will also be a raffle and a series of mini games to take part in along the route weather permitting.”

Tickets are £8 per person or £6 for children under 12-years-old with teams of up to six people. Entries need to be made by 13 May.

To get an entry form, visit your nearest funeral homes in Rose Green, North Bersted and Felpham. Locations and contact details can be found by clicking here.

Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ addresses four key social themes for promoting ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

To find out more about the Love Your Neighbourhood scheme, click here.

Free Local Bereavement Counselling

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Regular coffee, care and cake group are continuing to offer free support to all individuals who have lost a loved one.

The monthly groups are organised by Southern Co-op’s Bereavement Centre and offer individuals the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, in an informal and friendly setting.

Current coffee, care and cake group are held in Frome, Warmister, Fareham, Farnborough, Bognor Regis, Lake, Telscombe and Hassocks.

There will also be new groups starting soon in Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Havant and Basingstoke.

Ingrid McAllister-Derry, Bereavement Centre Manager and Counsellor, said: “We created the support groups to be inclusive and available to everyone – regardless of whether you are a customer of Southern Co-op.

“Bereavement can be a very lonely journey, even if you have people all around you. The group is deliberately informal. It brings people together who are in a similar situation and who understand what you may also be going through.

“It is intended to be relaxed and comfortable but with the opportunity to talk to a counsellor over coffee and cake or arrange a separate counselling appointment if this would help.”

The coffee, care and cake groups are open to everyone in the community and are free to attend.

Upcoming Coffee, Care and Cake groups are:

• Frome: Second Monday of each month from 10am-12pm at Frome Medical Practice, in Enos Way, BA11 2FH
• Warmister: Second Monday of each month from 1.30pm -3pm at Warmister Civic Centre, in Sambourne Road, BA12 8LB
• Fareham: First Wednesday of each month from 1pm -3pm at Community Action, 163 West Street, PO16 0EF
• Telscombe: Second Wednesday of each month from 10am-12pm at Telscombe Civic Centre, 360 South Coast Road, BN10 7ES
• Farnborough: First Thursday of each month from 10:30am-12pm at Southern Co-op Funeralcare, 68 Victoria Road, GU14 7PH
• Isle of Wight: Second Thursday of each month from 10:30am -12pm at Southern Co-op Funeralcare, No.1 Fairway, Lake, PO36 9EE
• Hassocks: Last Thursday of each month from 10am-12pm at Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground, in Brighton Road, BN6 9PD
• Bognor Regis: Fourth Friday of each month from 10am-11:30am at Laburnham Centre, in Lyon Street, PO21 1UX

To find out more, click here or call 07834 449069.

Get your wheels washed for charity

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Colleagues at a funeral home in Rose Green are dusting off their rags ready for a charity car wash on Saturday 18 August.

Cars and vans of all shapes and sizes are invited to Southern Co-op’s Funeralcare in Rose Green to help raise funds for The Bognor Regis Lions Club – Wenceslas Appeal.

The Bognor Regis Lions Club – Wenceslas Appeal is the funeral home’s chosen local cause as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’.

The Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

Lindsey Booker, Funeral Co-ordinator at the Rose Green funeral home, said: “It might seem strange thinking about it now when we are in the middle of an extremely hot summer but the Wenceslas Appeal supports those that are going to have to make a choice between food or heat this winter.

“So we are hoping to raise enough money through the upcoming charity car wash to make a real difference to people’s lives in our community.”

The charity car wash will take place on Saturday 18 August from 10am to 1pm at the funeral home at 6 Nyetimber Lane, Rose Green. Small cars will be asked for a £5 donation and large cars/vans will be asked for a £10 donation.

To find out more about the Love Your Neighbourhood scheme, click here.