Join the Co-op and help support Honiton's local causes

Nub News brings you all you need to know about the three local causes choses by members of Honiton Co-op.

For every £1 spent by a member in the store, 1p is donated to a local charity in Honiton - and members choose which charity they would like to support. 

This year the Co-op's three chosen charities are Honiton Carers, Foodsave and the Honiton Town Community Football and Sports Association. 

Last year Open Arms was one of the charities, which is one of the charities based at the CUB. 

Honiton Carers

Honiton Carers is a well-established support group for unpaid carers. It has been run by Winnie Cameron since 2014.

The carers look after relatives, friends or a spouse and they all benefit from the support Honiton Carers provides. 

The group meets regularly for social gatherings, days out and creative sessions. Currently the group is enjoying a series of artistic sessions at Creative Beings, which is in Awliscombe. 

Last year they enjoyed classes at Thelma Hulbert and additional recent funding has allowed them to enjoy a series of day trips to a number of local locations, including Sherborne, Dawlish and Branscombe. 

Winnie Cameron told Nub News how important social support is for carers: She said: "The group provides some respite for the carers, as well as support and friendship and help to reduce their isolation."

"There is so much help available out there for carers to tap into, it is just a case of knowing where to go for it. The professionals and volunteer groups like Honiton Carers offer invaluable support."

"I love running the Honiton Carers. It is, more or less, my life."

Honiton Foodsave

Honiton Foodsave is a community organisation which was established by former town and East Devon councillor Jake Bonetta in 2021.

The organisation helps to reduce food poverty and food waste. Food is collected from local supermarkets and is then distributed to users who either attend one of the regular sessions or order in advance online. 

Currently Foodsave has a partnership with over a dozen supermarkets and more than 100,000 food items have been given away.

The organisation does not ask users any questions or require any documentation or referrals and is open to everyone to make use of.

Demand for the food has increased dramatically over the last two years. If you would like to make a donation of food, there is a collection point in Honiton Co-op. 

A second Foodsave outlet was opened in Beer last year. 

Honiton Town Community Football and Sports Association

Honiton Town Community Football and Sports Association is a charity that provides opportunities for local children through sports and coaching. 

The club offers training and clubs for more than 200 boys and girls between the ages of five and 18. The training is provided by FA qualified volunteer coaches. 

Competitive and non-competitive matches are played in the Exeter and District Youth Leagues for under sevens to under 16s. The under 18 team plays in the Devon County Youth League on Sunday mornings.

The pitches which the youth team use are located 500m from the main gate and there are no facilities once at the pitches. The situation is causing children - particularly girls - to stop coming to football practice. A planning application has been submitted to move the sports club to land near Honiton Golf Club. 

The planning is currently being considered by East Devon District Council (EDDC) and funding is much-needed to help with the application. 

Jon Leisk, who has been a volunteer at the club for 20 years, told Nub News: "This is a community facility for Honiton's young people, to help improve their health and mental wellbeing."

You can help support these brilliant charities by becoming a member of the Co-op.