A team from across the different trading groups at The Midcounties Co-operative swapped their retail shops, travel stores and pharmacies for a painting challenge at local charity centre The Forge.

The group of six spent the day painting the kitchen area at the resource centre for visually impaired people in the Forest of Dean.

Team Leader Julie Sheldon, Operations Manager for The Co-operative Pharmacy at Midcounties, said: “All of us at Midcounties work together as a true co-operative and this day was no exception with colleagues from retail, travel and pharmacy coming together to give something back to the Cinderford community.

“The Forge is a really special centre offering those who are visually impaired valuable support and the opportunity to socialise and take part in activities tailored to their needs.”

The resource centre was established by independent local charity The Forge. As well as offering advice and support on coping with visual impairment, they also offer a range of activities for the visually impaired including craft classes and a gardening club.

Jenny Green, Support Officer at The Forge centre, said: “We now have a nice, clean, shiny kitchen area thanks to the team from Midcounties Co-op.

“We have very little space at the centre so the kitchen area is utilised as a reception area, to house equipment and of course to make tea and coffee. After the revamp it's now a lot brighter and welcoming for visitors and staff.”

Midcounties is committed to providing hands-on support for the community. It has an extensive colleague volunteer programme that takes on all types of challenges, which not only benefit local people and organisations but also help those involved to develop personally and as a team.

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