Southern Co-op extends partnership with Society of St James

Southern Co-op has renominated the Society of St James (SSJ) as its head office charity partner for 2020-21.

The announcement follows the success of an initiative by the Hampshire-based homelessness charity launched last year with the help of Southern Co-op.

The Pay It Forward scheme, which enables café customers to buy a drink or a snack for someone affected by homeless, has seen more than 1,400 vouchers bought since July 2019.

“When we set out to find our charity partner in 2019, our aim was to work with a charity about more than just money, and our partnership with SSJ has delivered just that,” said Jessica Hughes, community investment manager at Southern Co-op.

“We are excited to see how we can truly deliver a long term impact for those who are homeless, who have experienced trauma and/or found themselves in difficult circumstances perhaps trapped in a cycle of offending behaviour and drug or alcohol misuse.”

Pay It Forward was launched at Café in the Park, in Portsmouth’s Victoria Park, and has already had more than 1,430 vouchers bought which are given to someone facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness, poverty and/or substance misuse.

Dennis Jones, communications officer at SSJ, said: “We are delighted that Southern Co-op has decided to extend our partnership for another year. I think the scope and depth of possibilities for us to improve lives for vulnerable people together has taken everyone by surprise – there is so much more to explore.

“Their colleagues have taken the charity to heart and are always there at the end of the phone to offer support. They have helped our charity grow, staff members learn new skills and more importantly, helped SSJ provide a positive future to so many vulnerable people.”