A therapeutic workshop has been helped to get back up and running after lockdown by Co-op funding.

SCB, which offers employment opportunities for people in the community with learning difficulties, recently received its second dividend, amounting to £1,637.01, as part of the Co-op's Local Community Fund programme.

This payment was in addition to a first half sum of £1,193.89, meaning that Co-op has contributed a total of £2,830.90.

SCB, Supported Community Business (Special Needs), offers its service users the experience of the world of work in a safe and controlled environment.

They conduct simple work tasks, enabling them to gain new skills and improve dexterity while feeling valued in the community.

The past 24 months have proved extremely challenging, forcing SCB to close its doors because of Covid lockdowns for a total of six months. The workshop could then only operate at reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing.

But SCB Manager/Director Colin Mills says the not-for-profit organisation has weathered the storm and is moving towards full capacity once again.

Colin said: "The support, and financial assistance received from the Co-op Community Fund has helped greatly as part of this recovery programme and enabled staff to remain in contact and offer support to those who access the workshop during incredibly challenging times.

"SCB values the support shown to them by Co-op Members and we send a big thankyou to all those who participated in the scheme."

SCB was founded 24 years ago by John Coupland and Mike Card out of the desire of John's daughter, who had special needs, to have access to the same working opportunities as her peers.

Service users are based at Quaker's Coppice on Crewe Gates Industrial Estate.

Among the contracts completed for clients include packing, fixing labels and preparing mass mailings.

The work patterns also help parents and carers with respite and the chance to plan their day around shifts.

Each year Co-op stores ask local people to nominate deserving community causes to benefit from its Local Community Fund. Every time Co-op Members buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes into their Co-op Membership account and Co-op gives the same to support community organisations and local causes.

Supporting local causes like SCB aligns with the Co-op's mission of fairer access to food, mental wellbeing and opportunities for young people.

Select your local cause today at coop.co.uk/local-causes or go to the Co-op App.

Co-op Membership helps support Co-op's national charity partners and Local Community Fund causes. See www.coop.co.uk/membership