APRIL 2018

Lincolnshire Co-op launches Prostate Cancer UK fundraiser
CREDIT UNIONS
Michael Sheen launches
alliance to promote
affordable lending
Actor Michael Sheen has launched a
campaign against high-cost lenders
in the UK, aiming to promote “fair,
affordable” credit.
The actor and activist, a keen supporter
of co-ops and credit unions, wants to bring
together politicians, charities and tech
companies to tackle the UK’s debt problem.
He defines fair finance as that which does
not target consumers with a product they
cannot afford.
The End High Cost Credit Alliance will
focus on backing providers of affordable
finance with funds, investments and
expertise, while calling for regulatory
changes, developing plans to ensure
financial education is embedded in schools
and engaging the public in debates around
the issue of fair finance.
While membership of the Alliance is
free, those joining commit to collectively
working towards its goal. Mr Sheen, who is
putting his Hollywood career on hold for his
campaigning, will fund its administration
and some of its investigative work and act
as lead representative for press, campaigns
and public engagement.
The group will be chaired by Shirley
Cramer, chief executive of the Royal Society
for Public Health.
The news was welcomed by the
Association of British Credit Unions (Abcul).
“Michael has been a great supporter and
advocate of credit unions” said Abcul’s
Matt Bland. “We look forward to working
with the End High Cost Credit Alliance.”
And James Wright, head of policy at
Co-operatives UK, said: “We’re excited
to hear about Michael Sheen’s campaign
and look forward to seeing co-operative
solutions as one of the avenues explored.”
Southern Co-op gives funds to Wildlife Trust projects
Co-operative Credit Union honours credit union volunteer
Larne Credit Union donates £12,000
Lincolnshire Co-op is intensifying
fundraising through its Community
Champions scheme to help men’s health
charity Prostate Cancer UK. Between
March and June 2018, the society will
make a donation each time a member
shops in a Lincolnshire Co-op outlet. The
co-op will also be selling official Prostate
Cancer UK pin badges in store.
Southern Co-op has donated £18,000
to the Wildlife Trust, to help
the charity help local people to enjoy
and benefit from nature on their
doorstep. This includes creating
a natural wellbeing programme
for companies wanting to
help their employees, and developing
outdoors birthday parties for children
and their families.
As it celebrated its 20th anniversary, the
Co-operative Credit Union recognised a
credit union pioneer for his contributions.
The annual Graham Southall Award
honours for passionate support and
volunteering for the credit union. This
year’s winner, Charles Sim, collected
the award at the organisation’s AGM in
Manchester on 21 February.
The Irish League of Credit Unions
International Development Foundation
has received new funding to support
credit unions in developing countries.
A charitable organisation, the league is
owned and funded by contributions from
credit unions across the island of Ireland.
Larne Credit Union has donated £12,020.
Top marks for corporate responsibility at Central England
Central England Co-operative won
five stars out of five in Business in
the Community’s 2018 Corporate
Responsibility Index. In just two years the
dedication of colleagues across the society
has helped the rating lift from 2.5 stars to
five. Its overall score of 99% has jumped
from 87% in 2016 and 98% last year.
APRIL 2018 | 11