Newton Abbot CIC receives help in mission to support vulnerable young people

In the latest round of grants from its Customer Donation Fund, The Co-operative Bank has provided over £2,700 to three community groups across Devon. Among these recipients is A Kind of Magic Animal Centre, a CIC based in Newton Abbot that helps vulnerable people across the south of Devon.

The center aims to support vulnerable young people in the local community by fostering interactions with animals and engaging in craft activities in the south Devon countryside.

The grant from The Co-operative Bank Customer Donation Fund has allowed A Kind of Magic to invest in woodworking tools and equipment such as drills and saws. This expansion has enabled them to offer new activities like whittling, willow sculpture, and creating habitats for wildlife.

Director Clair Fynn remarked, "The donation from The Co-operative Bank has been incredibly beneficial, allowing us to broaden our offerings. The DIY and woodworking activities have significantly improved the confidence and self-worth of the young participants as they are trusted to use tools like saws, drills, and whittling tools. We've also observed an improvement in their concentration and resilience."

Among the recipients was Exeter-based Sweetpea Smallholdings, a community interest company (CIC) that aims to reduce social isolation by bringing people from a variety of backgrounds together to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Made up of mostly disabled volunteers, the CIC grows produce at sites across Exeter all year round, which is delivered to those in the community who are most in need. As well as growing produce, Sweetpea provides a space where volunteers can connect with one another and gradually build up their confidence and mental wellbeing.

A 2021 report found that 61% of those with a disability were chronically lonely and with many within the disabled community feeling isolated, providing an outlet for people to connect is a key part of Sweetpea’s operations.

Mike Baker, Operations Manager at Sweetpea Smallholdings explained:

“The money we have received from The Co-operative Bank Customer Donation Fund has been crucial as it has enabled us to construct a dedicated wheelchair-friendly space where our volunteers can enjoy growing produce in specifically-designed raised beds.

“Without the funding, we wouldn’t have been able to create this area so we are very grateful and we’re excited to welcome more volunteers to our allotment so that they can enjoy this fantastic, inclusive space.”

Amelia Burnett, SME Product Manager at The Co-operative Bank, emphasized, "Supporting our customers, especially smaller charities and community projects, is crucial. We are proud to have contributed these grants to projects across the UK that are making a positive impact on communities, especially during these times of cost-of-living challenges."

Since its inception in 2003, The Co-operative Bank, an award-winning charity banking provider, has donated over £1.1 million to more than 1,000 community projects. In 2023 alone, they donated £100,000 to assist communities during the cost-of-living crisis.