COMMUNITY groups in Chard and Ilminster are being encouraged to apply for funding from the Co-op's Local Community Fund.

The supermarket giant, which has supported 72 local causes in Chard and Ilminster over the past two years, is targeting its funding more specifically as the next Local Community Fund application period opens.

Over the past year, the Co-op has been talking to its members and people across the UK to find out what matters most to them, and what could be improved in their local community.

This has resulted in the Co-op developing a Community Wellbeing Index which has helped identify three key areas which make communities safer and stronger places to live and work.

The supermarket giant is looking to support organisations that make a difference in their local communities by protecting and improving community spaces, helping people reach their full potential by developing their skills, or promoting health and wellbeing.

Groups looking to deliver projects in these areas are being urged to apply to be a beneficiary of the scheme which paid out an average of almost £5,000 to 4,000 causes across the UK last year.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at the Co-op, said: “Through working with communities across the UK to understand what matters most to their collective wellbeing, we’ve developed our Community Wellbeing Index.

"This, along with the views of more than 10,000 Co-op members, has led us to focus on three key areas that make the greatest difference to communities.”

Co-op members, who receive a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one per cent going to local causes when they buy own-brand products, have a say in how the money is allocated.

For details about applying for the Co-op’s Local Community Fund visit coop.co.uk/causes. Applications close on June 16.