THE clock is ticking down towards the conclusion of an innovative scheme that offers support to local community groups in Thurrock.

Community groups and projects in the borough have until Sunday (12 June) to apply for the Co-op Local Community Fund. The deadline was originally 29 May but has been extended.

Click here to find out more and apply.

The fund provides local causes nominated by the community with an extra funding boost. It's just one of many ways the Co-op helps local communities. Last year, for example, we reported on donations made to Thurrock Harriers, Thurrock Swimming Club and Thurrock Play Network. Harriers received £1,458.51, the swimming club £1,439.44 and the play network £1,362.63. Thurrock Nub News was on hand when the cheques were handed out.

Now there's another chance for local groups to cash in with the Co-op which will be supporting projects that:

•  Bring people together to access food
•  Help improve people's mental wellbeing
•  Create opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference
•  Encourage diversity
•  Help people protect local biodiversity or tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions

To help people understand more about the Local Community Fund before they apply, the Co-op has created a helpful guide. Check out 'How to discover more about the Local Community Fund' , which explains how the fund is different and the range of benefits it provides.

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

Co-op Members will continue to help thousands of grassroots community projects through the Local Community Fund by selecting a cause to support. Since 2016, Co-op Members have raised more than £85m for over 30,000 projects.

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So click here to apply – the deadline is midnight on Sunday, 12 June. So don't delay.

Three good causes currently already being supported by another Co-op community scheme are Grays Town Band, BATIAS and the 180 Project are the three selected causes that will be boosted by shoppers at the Co-op store on Sockets Heath, in Grays. Find out more about them and that scheme via this link.