COMMUNITY causes in Ellesmere Port will receive funding from supermarket Co-op after being chosen to take part in its Local Community Fund.

The money is raised by Co-op members when they buy selected own-brand products and services. This year, local causes have been chosen in Ellesmere Port, including Youth Fed, Ellesmere Port Oilers Minis and Juniors and Community Ranger Service, who will receive funding to deliver local projects.

The support is timely with insight from more than 3,000 community causes across the country showing that more than one-in-two (59 percent) projects have experienced a shortfall in funding over the past 12 months, more than four-fifths (84 percent) have however seen an increase in demand - particularly those providing support for people through the cost of living crisis.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op said: "We know that the cost of living crisis is making it incredibly challenging for many local causes. Our Local Community Fund promotes the development of stronger, more resilient, and fairer communities. Our community groups and local organisations are providing valuable services and support to people at a time when they need it most. Our Co-op membership is a powerful way for people to make a difference simply by shopping at Co-op."

Co-op say that its members have helped to raise £117 million for communities since 2016, including support for over 30,000 projects across the UK through the Local Community Fund. Member can also choose the cause they would like to support through their membership.

The Local Community Fund supports grassroots projects to help deliver Co-op’s vision of co-operating for a fairer world, bringing people together to provide access to food; access to mental wellbeing; and access to opportunities for young people, as well as protecting local biodiversity or reduce carbon emissions.

More information on Co-op membership can be found on the retailer's website.