HEALS of Malmesbury has been chosen as one of three local charities to benefit from‎ the Co-Op Local Community Fund.

This means that 2p will go to HEALS for every £1 worth of Co-op own brands purchased until October next year by Co-op Members who pick HEALS as their charity.

The charity, based at Malmesbury Town Hall, supports people who need advice, help and support such as food provision through local foodbanks, debt repayment and money management advice and practical

HEALS Chair of Trustees Cllr Gavin Grant said: "Right now traditional charity fundraising is very difficult. But right now is when local people need help from HEALS. The Co-op's last fundraising campaign raised more than £17,000 for three local good causes. So to have this potential help for HEALS from the Co-op is really great news. It could make a huge difference in helping us to help vulnerable local people and families.

“To make that happen we need Malmesbury Co-op members to log to your account at www.coop.co.uk/membership or the Coop app and pick HEALS as your local cause."

“Please also encourage your Malmesbury area family, friends and neighbours to ‎join for free and choose HEALS,” he added.

Non-members can join in person at the two local stores in the High Street or Gloucester Road or go online to register at www.coop.co.uk

Cllr Grant added: "During lockdown we saw what our community could do when we came together to help those that really needed it.

“Then HEALS delivered more than 2,000 free meals to 120 vulnerable people. We upgraded more than 40 donated laptops to help local children do their school work. And we built from scratch a £25,000 local Emergency Hardship Fund that is supporting local people.

“We have had great support already from our local Co-op stores. This also included collecting laptops in store and discounting their food prices to help HEALS feed local children during the recent Half Term.

“We know that for many local people and families the Covid crisis means a tough Christmas and New Year lies ahead. This extra cash from the Co-op would mean HEALS being able to do a lot more get people back on their feet,” he added.

To find out more go to http://www.healsmalmesbury.co.uk/