Our Society has signed up with GroceryAid, a charity providing free, confidential, emotional, practical and financial support. This means that all Chelmsford Star Co-op colleagues, not just from the food business but also travel, funeral and Quadrant too, are able to take advantage of the charities services at a time when support in the industry is more neccesary than ever.
Chelmsford Star Co-op colleagues can now call upon GroceryAid to assist with:
- financial grants – incase of an unexpected emergency or change in circumstances
- expert advice – for all things financial, legal, managerial and emotional
- support for carers – such as counselling, advice or grants
- self-help & wellbeing tools – with purpose built apps and phonelines
- mental health support for young people
It is nationally recognised that in the last few years retail workers have needed more support, with pressures from the pandemic, Brexit, cost-of-living, and stock availability issues affecting customer behaviour. Demand for GroceryAid‘s services increased last year to 28,000 instances of support being provided across the UK. Chief Operations Officer for Chelmsford Star, Brendan Smith, is pleased that colleagues can now benefit from them too. “With all the pressures in the industry at the moment, its more important than ever to give colleagues the tools they need – not just to survive, but to thrive. GroceryAid will be hugely valuable, offering an independent, free and confidential service to all at Chelmsford Star.”
You can find out more about GroceryAid at www.groceryaid.org.uk or use the GroceryAid Helpline 08088 021122.