Tag: Scotmid

Scotmid among UK’s retail co-ops providing over £100,000 of support to the India Covid crisis

Scottish convenience retailer, Scotmid, has joined nine other retail co-ops across the UK to provide much needed emergency supplies to co-ops and communities in India during the Covid crisis.

The announcement comes on International Day of Co-ops (Saturday 3 July 2021).

Over £100,000 was donated via the Self Employed Woman’s Association (SEWA), the Co-operative Federation in India which works with 106 women’s co-ops, enabling them to provide a sustainable livelihood for female workers.

The support from the retail societies allowed SEWA to provide essential basic supplies through their female networks, including masks and paracetamol, critical supplies including oxygen, and supporting Indian co-ops to restart their businesses after lockdown.

Established in 1972 SEWA currently has 1.8 million members, across 18 states in the country.

Mirai Chatterjee, Chairperson, SEWA Cooperative Federation said: “We would like to thank you for the solidarity of the co-operative spirit in action. We are very happy to be your partners in the rebuild.

“The situation in India is thankfully slowly improving and we are seeing a reduction in cases in the urban areas, although we are less sure about the rural areas as the data is sparse.

“Our country is now slowly coming out of the health emergency, but we are now staring in the face of a huge livelihood and humanitarian crisis. Workers and families have been busy with the health emergency but now they are extremely anxious about how they can restore their livelihoods and that’s where your contribution and your support to us has been critical.”

During the crisis period, 4,000 household health kits were prepared by the Indian co-operatives that form part of SEWA. These included masks made by an artisan co-operative and soap and immune boosters produced by a health co-operative distributed across eight states across India.

Crucially they also provided lifesaving information about the symptoms and spread of Covid to families in rural and low income urban areas – to dispel myths and provide accurate health information.

The support from the UK retail societies will support seven Indian co-operatives to restart their businesses, buying raw materials and re-establish market links. SEWA also used this substantial donation as a bargaining tool to leverage support from corporate donors, securing additional funds for women farmers and a catering co-operative in this way.

The emergency response was co-ordinated by Co-operatives UK and the Co-operative College, who worked together as part of the International Working Group to collect and co-ordinate the donations from The Co-op Group, Midcounties Co-op, Central England Co-op, Scotmid, Lincolnshire Co-op, Southern Co-op, East of England Co-op, Channel Islands Co-op, Chelmsford Star Co-op, Heart of England Co-op and Co-op News.

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK said: “This is true co-operation in action, with some of the largest co-ops in the UK collaborating to provide financial support and solidarity to co-ops on the other side of the world.

“Our global co-operative movement is based on values and principles that are as strong today as they ever were. It’s fitting that we are sharing news of the impact of this donation on International Day of Co-operatives, which has a theme of Rebuild Better Together, which is exactly what this support will help to do.

“The response from the co-operative community was really quite phenomenal and it meant that we were able to get funds directly through this female network of co-operators to provide support on the ground, where it was needed, at speed with minimal red tape or admin fees,” she added.

John Brodie, CEO of Scotmid, said: “This worthwhile initiative, which came through the co-operative national buying group, demonstrates the strength of co-operation.

“We’re pleased to see this donation is having an impact on the ground in India, helping co-ops to restart their businesses after the lockdowns.

“Working with SEWA as our overseas partner, we can ensure we are truly collaborating with co-ops in India. It’s not just handouts, its sustainable support through solidarity and self responsibility.”

Sarah Alldred from the Co-operative College said: “One of the aims of the International Working Group is to be able to respond quickly to international crises. It is made up of representatives from co-ops across the UK who want to keep links to the global movement alive and well.

“And it’s not just emergency response, we’re proactively working towards the UN sustainable development goals too, to help create a better world through co-operation.”

On advising the ICA President of the UK’s response to the India crisis Ariel Guarco, President, International Co-operative Alliance said: “The whole world is suffering the scourge of the pandemic. However, your effort to cooperate with those who are most affected at this time is extremely valuable and necessary.

“This expresses the co-operative values and principles in action and shows us that the only way to get out together from the health, social and economic crisis that we are going through on a global scale is through solidarity, mutual aid and co-operation.” 

Watch a video from SEWA explaining the impact of the support in India https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-0DYEydtjw

Scotmid Community Connect cash for three local projects

Three charities based in the East of Scotland have been awarded £8,500 each, thanks to Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect award scheme.

Children with Cancer & Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents (CCLASP), the Citadel Arts Group and Venture Scotland, secured the funding after being shortlisted by the convenience retailer as one of nine good causes across Scotland to receive financial support from a total pot of £75,000.

Edinburgh-based Venture Scotland, a charity which provides young people aged between 16 and 30, who are struggling with life, the chance to take part in a personal development course based in the outdoors, expressed their gratitude at receiving the lifeline funding.

David Brackenridge, CEO of Venture Scotland, said: “The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone. However, it has been particularly hard for young people who were already struggling with their mental health before we went into lockdown.

“Scotmid’s generous funding will allow us to continue to support disadvantaged young people through our outdoors based personal development Journey programmes, to enable them to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.”

Since Scotmid’s Community Connect launched in 2017, more than £450,000 has been awarded to 54 good cause groups enabling key projects to come to life in local areas.

Harry Cairney, Chair of East Regional Committee at Scotmid, said: “The pandemic has created numerous challenges for communities to overcome and adapt to.

“Community Connect was established to enable us to extend the ways in which we can support the communities that we serve, and we are delighted to provide Venture Scotland, CCLASP and the Citadel Arts Centre, with this funding as they continue to provide vital support to their communities.”

CCLASP has provided vital support for families living with a child with cancer for the last 25 years. They offer families respite holidays at their cottage in Muthill. These holidays provide an oasis of peace for families at their darkest of times and any funds will be used to keep this amazing offering open to families needing a break.

Based in Leith for the last 10 years, Citadel Arts Group stimulates and expresses the creativity of older people through stories, memory books and lively dramas helping to celebrate the history of Leith. Funding will be used to create audio plays inspired by the stories to entertain the whole community.

In normal times, Scotmid would typically select a shortlist of community projects which its members then vote on to allocate different amounts of funding.

However, due to the pandemic, the Scotmid Board agreed that all shortlisted charities and community groups would receive equal amounts of funding within each region.

Call to apply for funding through Scotmid Community Connect award scheme

Scotmid is calling on charities and community groups in the East of Scotland to apply for Community Connect funding.

The Scottish convenience retailer is seeking applications for financial support ahead of the deadline of 25th March 2021. Nine successful groups across Scotland will receive a share of £75,000.

The funding is made possible through sales of single-use carrier bags in Scotmid stores. Money from each bag sale contributes to the pot which is then distributed through the Community Connect award scheme, with Scotmid Members voting on how the funding is distributed.

Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, said: “Community Connect is one of the main ways we support our communities, and we are delighted to invite applications from the many charities and good cause groups that work hard to support our communities each day.

“We are encouraging community initiatives in the area to apply ahead of the deadline on the 25th of March.”

Past recipients of the funding in the East of Scotland include Blood Bikes South Queensferry, Community One Stop Shop, Kids Love Clothes and Street Assist.

Since Scotmid’s Community Connect scheme launched in 2017, more than £385,000 has been awarded to good cause groups to enable key community projects to come to life, making a valuable difference to the lives of the many people who have benefited as a result.

For further information on how to apply, eligible groups can visit:

 www.scotmid.coop or send specific queries to membership@scotmid.co.uk.

The shortlisted groups will then be announced in April

Cyrenians and Bethany Christian Trust receive £2500 donation each from Scotmid to support homelessness across Edinburgh

  • Donations will support both charities work and services across Edinburgh.

Cyrenians and the Bethany Christian Trust have both received donations of £2500 from convenience store retailer, Scotmid, to help support homelessness across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The charities received a £1500 cash donation as well as £1000 in Scotmid vouchers to help users of their accommodation services gain a sense of independence, as the vouchers will allow them to purchase items for themselves, from Scotmid stores.

Ewan Aitken, CEO at Cyrenians, said: “Thank you very much indeed to Scotmid. It is such a delight to talk with an organisation that is so open to ideas and understands intuitively the importance of dignity in how we support people.

“The vouchers will be a welcome addition to those who have been disproportionately affected by the impact of the pandemic. They will allow each person to hold on to dignity as they are able to choose food and toiletry items that meet their own preferences and needs. 

“We are very grateful that Scotmid, like us, recognise the power of supporting individuals to make their own steps towards recovery and a positive life journey.”

Bethany Christian Trust will be using its vouchers to help men who are seeking to move on from a history of homelessness and addiction. The Bethany Christian Centre facilitates a safe and supportive space for individuals to grow in their recovery, helping them reach a place where they feel ready to move into permanent accommodation and sustain independent living for the future.

Alasdair Bennett, CEO at Bethany Christian Trust, said: “We are really grateful for the donation of £2,500 from Scotmid, which will go directly to supporting the men in the recovery project, contributing to the range of opportunities provided within this life saving service.”

Since April 2020, Bethany Christian Centre has accommodated and supported 26 different men who were seeking to improve their lives and opportunities.

Harry Cairney, Chairman of Scotmid, said: “Our stores focus on serving the local communities that they are located in and so it’s important for us to be able to support charities that work within those communities, improving people’s everyday lives.

“We are pleased to be able to make these donations to both Cyrenians and Bethany Christian Trust to aid the incredible work they do.”

Brian was a previous resident at Bethany Christian Centre and has now moved on to his own flat.

Brian said: “Before I arrived at Bethany Christian Centre, my life was very sad and I suffered with depression. I had really lost all hope. I constantly battled feelings of fear and insecurity, but instead of trying to get help I found an escape in drink and drugs and shut myself away from others.

“Although I’ve had periods of recovery from time to time, I never felt that I could see a way out and become totally free.

“I came to Bethany Christian Centre to get help for my addiction. I was lost and had no direction or hope. Coming to the Centre has helped me see myself differently; that I am fully loved and accepted. It hasn’t been an easy programme for me but without the help of the staff, I don’t think I would have made it.

“With their love I have found strength and confidence within me that I never thought I could have. Now, I have more to look forward to, and I’m excited to have moved on to my own flat. I thank God for the people he has put in my life and for the newfound love and security that I have.”

Celebs support Scotmid initiative to keep communities smiling

Scotmid urges people to share their favourite jokes for ‘Our Communities Care’ week and help raise funds for charity partner, CHAS

Scottish celebs have come together to help a national convenience retailer launch an initiative to keep communities smiling – and feel connected – throughout the current lockdown.

Comedian Janey Godley, Still Game’s Mark Cox and Homes under the Hammer presenter Martel Maxwell are supporting Scotmid’s #sharingsmiles campaign, which launched this week as part of its ‘Our Communities Care’ Week (Monday 8 – Sunday 14 Feb 2021).

The initiative follows Scotmid’s hugely successful first lockdown #sharingsmiles campaign, which ran last year.

Children across the country were encouraged to draw a picture or write a letter and send it in to Scotmid – which they did in their droves. These were then shared with residents at more than 60 care homes in Scotland, to help residents feel more connected with the outside world, at a point in time when family visits were restricted, and feelings of loneliness and isolation were on the rise.

This time, Scotmid is asking people of all ages to share their favourite jokes and help raise a smile by showing those who remain shielding or who are finding the continued lockdown restrictions a struggle, that their communities care.

Our Communities Care Week also involves online and in-store activities to raise awareness of Scotmid’s 2021 charity partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Funds raised through the partnership will enable vital development and expansion of their outreach service, CHAS at Home, ensuring they can support children and families in every community across Scotland.

Still Game’s Mark Cox said: “There has never been a more important time to come together in our local communities and support one another – and what better way to cheer each other up than by telling some jokes!

“Scotmid’s #sharingsmiles campaign as part of Our Communities Care week is a great way to get involved and bring a smile to people’s faces. I’m looking forward to hearing what makes others laugh and to sharing a few of my own favourite jokes too.”

Scotmid President, Harry Cairney, said: “Scotmid is at the heart of the communities it serves and has been since it was founded more than 160 years ago.

“At the start of the first lockdown, we realised how many people were shielding in our local communities and wouldn’t be able to see their family and friends and so #SharingSmiles was born – to help cheer people up and make them feel hopeful.

“We’re excited to launch ‘Our Communities Care’ week, to encourage people of all ages to think about those that might still be shielding and to share their favourite jokes to make them laugh.”

Those looking to participate can send their jokes to lynneogg@scotmid.co.uk

Scotmid’s Snappy Shopper service: swift delivery in response to second lockdown

  • Use of Snappy Shopper increased 43% during previous Tier 4 lockdown

Shoppers are turning to convenience stores to plug gaps in their shopping deliveries during lockdown, according to a Scottish national retailer.

Scotmid has seen a 43% increase in orders using its Snappy Shopper service during the first lockdown and has been working hard to respond to the continued growth in demand for the service at a time when full lockdown restrictions are back in place.

The rise in use of the Snappy Shopper service – which delivers to customers from as little as 30 minutes – comes at a time when consumers are increasingly switching their shopping habits from in store to online – and finding delivery slots from the bigger supermarkets have been booked up sometimes weeks in advance.

Since launching online delivery through the Snappy Shopper app in Edinburgh last year, the service has benefited many individuals during the COVID-19 crisis, including those considered high-risk and having to shield.

Kevin Plant, Head of Food at Scotmid said: “With competition for online shopping slots fierce, Snappy Shopper is filling a much-needed gap for many residents in Edinburgh.

“Feedback from the community has shown us how important this service is – especially for people who are shielding – and we’re pleased to expand our service in the community, especially as Tier 4 restrictions are taking hold.”

The first delivery for every customer is free when they sign up on the app*, with subsequent deliveries in Edinburgh costing just £3.50.

There is a £10 minimum basket spend with a limit of 25 products per delivery.** Deliveries are available to order between 10am and 8pm, with the last delivery at 9pm.

Tribute to former Scotmid employee and Director, John (Ian) Miller

Harry Cairney, Scotmid President and John Brodie, Chief Executive paid tribute to former employee and Director, John (Ian) Miller.

It is with deep sadness that we pay tribute to the passing of John (Ian) Miller, former employee, Director and East Regional Committee member.  John passed away suddenly, aged 72.

Known as John to his friends and colleagues at Scotmid, he served the Society both as an employee and as a democratically elected member.  He was Manager at our Penicuik non-food branch for 15 years before starting his own carpet business and went on to serve on the democratic side of the Society, representing Members in our East Region for 17 years and then the Board for 9 years. 

It is very sad that John passed away so soon after retiring from our Board and East Regional Committee at the Society’s AGM in September. 

John was widely known and respected within the co-operative movement and in his local community.   It is difficult to quantify the contribution which he made both to Scotmid and the cooperative movement over many years. 

He represented the Society on a wide range of Boards and Committees over the years and was a fouder member of Fairtrade Midlothian.  He was a true gentlemen with a firm belief in co-operation and the benefits of the co-operative movement and would champion these at every occasion.

John will be sorely missed by all at Scotmid and our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Scotmid delivers snappy shopping service

Residents across Edinburgh can now order food, drink and other essential items and have them delivered to their door within an hour, following the roll out of a speedy shopping service by a leading convenience retailer.

Scotmid is launching its popular Snappy Shopper service in the capital, bringing the online shopping opportunity to the fingertips of more than 500,000 residents.

Customers can order from a range of over 1000 product lines, via the Snappy Shopper app or at www.snappyshopper.co.uk, which are then picked, packed and delivered by Scotmid staff, to their home, within an hour. 

Products have been selected to cater for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free and include products from Scottish suppliers such as Barrs, Golden Wonder, Tunnocks and Mackies.

Delivery slots are made available every 24 hours and booked on a first come, first served basis. The concept stands Scotmid apart from other, larger retailers, whose online home delivery services are often booked up days in advance.

Kevin Plant, Head of Food at Scotmid, said: “We are really excited to serve our customers in Edinburgh with our new Snappy Shopper service.

“Our core purpose as a business is to serve our communities and improve people`s everyday lives and our Snappy Shopper service enables Scotmid customers to access great products from the comfort of their own home.”

Snappy Shopper has proved particularly valuable to many individuals and families during lockdown. For those who were shielding, considered high risk or who found it hard to get to the shops, the online service has provided a quick and easy means of acquiring their essential items.

The launch follows highly successful pilots in West Lothian, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire and supports Scotmid’s ambitions to lead the way in Scotland for fast, convenient shopping, tied in with its core value of serving communities. 

Stewart Dobbie, Head of Innovation and Change at Scotmid, said: “Snappy Shopper is enabling us to provide on-demand, simple, digital convenience to our customers and the positive feedback we receive daily  from customers in areas where Snappy Shopper is in place supported our decision to expand the offering.

“Our move into the capital marks the next step in our drive to enhance our Food offering to existing and new customers.”

The first delivery for every customer is free when they sign up on the app, with subsequent deliveries across Edinburgh costing just £3.50. There is a £10 minimum basket spend with a limit of 25 products per delivery.

Customers can order for delivery within an hour between 10am to 9pm.

Have you seen Elaine?

Police are appealing for information to help trace a 48-year-old woman who went missing in North Edinburgh at the weekend.

Elaine McArthur was last seen around 12.40pm on Saturday (18 April) outside a shop on Crewe Road North. She has not been seen since and officers are growing concerned for her welfare.

Elaine is described as white, 5ft 2in tall, slim build, long blonde hair tied up. She was last seen wearing a khaki green waterproof jacket, blue jeans, green trainers and carrying a green rucksack.

Inspector Scott Kennedy of Corstorphine Police Station said: “Elaine has not been seen since 12.40pm on 18 April and we are concerned for her welfare.

“I would ask anyone who has seen Elaine, or recognises her description, to contact police as soon as they can.

“Likewise I would ask Elaine, if she does see this message, to get in touch to let us know she is ok.”

Anyone with information regarding Elaine’s whereabouts is asked to contact officers on 101, quoting incident number 1604 of 18 April 2020.

Recruitment Day in Muirhouse

Full time and part time roles available in branches across Lothian

Next Step Edinburgh are teaming up with Semichem and Scotmid for an open morning in Muirhouse this Friday 21 February.

Store Managers will be on hand to talk to prospective candidates about what it is like to work with them. Full time and part time positions are available and the successful applicants will enjoy training, staff benefits and excellent career prospects.

As the event has been organised by Next Step Edinburgh, there is also additional support available including support with CV writing, interview prep and much more.

The event takes place at 9.30 – 11.30am at Pennywell Resource Centre, 31 – 33 Pennywell Road, EH4 4PJ.

If you can’t make that date then there will be another session on Tue 25 February 9:30am – 11:30am at the Recruitment and Skills Centre (RSC) at Fort Kinnaird Shopping Centre.

All welcome – just come along with your CV.

If you have any questions then please contact 

Next Step on 0300 365 0025 info@communityrenewal.org.uk