Tesco Yorkgate brings local charities together to connect shoppers with vital support

The event gave shoppers the opportunity to speak directly with representatives and find out more about the health, wellbeing, disability, mental health and community services available locally.

Among those taking part were health and wellbeing organisations Cancer Lifeline, NI Hospice, Alzheimer’s Society and Arthritis UK Northern Ireland, alongside representatives from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust’s breast cancer awareness programme.

Cedar Foundation, Mencap NI and Inspire Wellbeing were also in attendance, offering advice and information on disability, learning disabilities and autism support.

Community organisations North Belfast Men’s Shed, Bryson Charitable Group and Extern also took part, highlighting the range of support and services available locally.

The event was organised by Tesco Yorkgate Community Champion Donna McCotter, with support from Caroline Edmundson, Community Champion at Tesco Bangor.

Donna said: “It was fantastic to bring so many local charities and support organisations together at Yorkgate and give our customers and colleagues the opportunity to find out more about the help that’s available to them.

“As Community Champions, we work closely with organisations across Northern Ireland to build strong relationships and support the communities our stores serve. Events like this are a great way to bring that network together in one place, helping connect people directly with services that could make a real difference to them or their families.”

According to Pamela McNeill, Community Fundraising Coordinator at Northern Ireland Hospice, Tesco NI’s support goes beyond fundraising events.

She said: “We’re incredibly fortunate to have the support of Tesco and its Community Champions across Northern Ireland. Their support goes far beyond fundraising – whether it’s donating practical items for our patients, providing prizes for events or welcoming us into stores for our annual collection weekend, they are always willing to help.

“The relationships we’ve built with Tesco over the years mean a great deal to us, and we’re hugely grateful for the continued support they give Northern Ireland Hospice year after year.”

Emily Wilson, an Alzheimer’s Society volunteer, said community events like this make it easier to reach people who need help and support, either for themselves or for a loved one.

“It was a great opportunity to connect with the local community and raise awareness of the support available through Alzheimer’s Society for anyone affected by dementia,” she said.

“Events like this make it easier for people to find out what help is available to them and their families, while having a friendly, informal conversation with organisations in their local community.”

Diane McMullin, Community Support Worker at Extern and the Belfast Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team (BDACT) Connections service, said: “It was a pleasure to take part in the event at Tesco Yorkgate and speak with customers and colleagues. We had some really positive conversations and were able to provide valuable harm reduction information and to raise awareness of the support available through local drug and alcohol services.

“It was also fantastic to see so many organisations coming together in one place, giving people the chance to discover services they may not otherwise have known about.”

Tesco’s Community Champions work closely with charities, voluntary organisations and community groups across Northern Ireland, helping build relationships between stores and the communities they serve, while raising awareness of support available to both customers and colleagues.