Co-operative presents taste of Christmas to Rochdale tenants

The Co-operative’s Carol Stansfield, Claire Whittaker, Joanne Walsh and Store Manager, Dave Naylor, with Rachel Saunders (Supported Housing Activity Co-ordinator), Paula Young (Mobile Warden) and Judith Reynolds (Mobile Warden), from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

The Co-operative has brought a taste of Christmas to sheltered housing schemes in Rochdale after donating festive party packs to residents.

The Co-operative’s Greater Manchester North Area Committee has funded the festive goodies, which have been presented to fellow mutual organisation Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, the UK’s first co-owned mutual housing society.

The Christmas food and treats, which were provided by The Co-operative Food store in Cutgate Shopping Centre, contained chicken dinners and goody bags and will be enjoyed by the 35 elderly residents who live at the sheltered housing schemes.

Wardens at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing will deliver the festive food to 21 elderly residents who live alone, to ensure they see a friendly face on Christmas Day. They will also get together 14 residents who live on its larger housing schemes together for a festive meal.

Helen Steel, Co-operative and Membership Officer for the North West and North Midlands, said: “As a community retailer, it is vital that we identify local groups and help them where possible. This is a great initiative from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, and we are delighted to support a fellow mutual organisation at this time of year. We hope the treats will give the residents a little taste of Christmas and bring them some festive cheer.”

Rachel Saunders, Activity Co-ordinator for the RBH Supported Housing Service, said: “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve the lives of our tenants, and we’re extremely grateful for the support and kindness shown by The Co-operative in providing Christmas Day meals for our tenants. It’s great to see two mutual organisations working together to help the community.”