Tell Co-op what you couldn’t live without in your local community - £300 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[AmeliaMumsnet]

Whether it’s meeting new friends, amenities for the kids, or clubs and charities, it’s so important to make the most of the community you live in. Co-op want to know what you couldn’t live without where you live. Whether it’s where you are now, or the place that really feels like home, which clubs, activities, or services really make a difference to you in your local area?

Here’s what the Co-op have said: ‘Local community values are so important to us - that’s why we give 1% of everything our members spend on selected Co-op branded products and services from Co-op Group businesses, including food stores and funeral homes, to local initiatives in your community. So far, we’ve paid out £9 million to over 4,000 local causes! You can find out more, and sign up to become a member, here.’

You can read the Co-op’s membership T&Cs here.

Whether it’s a local event that brings everyone together, an after school sports club that gets your DC outdoors and active, or even just the beautiful natural scenery, Co-op want to know what really matters to you locally. So tell them about those local services, amenities or events that you just couldn't live without by posting in the thread below.

Every MNer who posts on this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

I live near a local charity for young people, one of whose project strands is providing free music tuition to children who couldn't otherwise afford music lessons. I've been a volunteer there for 9 years and they are brilliant. Former pupils have gone on to teach there, study music at college or go into the music business with one even reaching the X Factor!

Our local libraries are fantastic. Not only do we go there to stock up on the latest books and to meet friends we also participate in so many of the wonderful, (and usually free)activities that they offer such as: Lego club, chess club, homework club, various craft sessions, free theatre productions and a wonderful weekly children's science club. I have just completed a fantastic photography group too where I made new friends and learnt so much really useful information to help me to understand how to use my camera more successfully.
Life with little money can be very difficult but the local libraries have opened up some fantastic opportunities for myself and my child and all free.....they're simply amazing!

Our park (over the road) and our library

Good public transport links

The brilliant playgrounds and numerous playgroups were what I valued most when my kids were young. On a personal level, living within walking distance of a shopping centre/restaurants etc, but also walking distance from canal and river side walks makes it the perfect place for me

I live in a village, that's growing quite rapidly. I love the greens and farms in my area, as a village, we have a library, post office, fish and chips/pizzas and kebab take away, and a one stop shop. A skate park was recently built in on the local park, which is great. I appreciate the sports opportunities for children to participate in. But I wish there was more ways of keeping children busy with activities and off the streets. Especially when it's stupid o'clock and you see some very familiar faces out at night, and they are so young, vulnerable and not aware of what dangers are out there. I would love to have a anti bullying campaign associated with schools, football clubs, skate park users and other points of interest to the next generation. I would love to see something different and positive take place. I would also appreciate a co-operative store in my village. I send my family members to our nearest stores to get products exclusive to the co-op. I am definitely signing up for the local community value membership opportunity and will try and provide some input.

The new basketball and tennis courts in our local park. Love love love them.

I couldn't do without the local children's centres for my daughter of 17 months, but unfortunately they have had funding cuts this year. Rather than lose staff (which I understand) they have reduced opening hours and cut back or removed classes. Sadly we lost an amazing class called Latino Bambino's, which all of the children who attended absolutely loved. A lot of the centres toys and equipment is broken or very worn and could do with replacing, and I was only thinking last night that I wish I had a few hundred pounds spare so that I could help provide some new items for them, especially as the early learning centre/Mothercare currently have 3 for 2 on outdoor toys/equipment at the minute!

Our local Adventure Project. It's a registered charity which provides cheap childcare, after school club and holiday club. DD's going after school today! She goes every day in summer, DS2 goes for 2 hours 3 days a week, as he comes under childcare because of his age. The have a large garden, an arts and crafts room, a PC, a Wii and a TV. They also have a tuck shop and provide unlimited juice and water. For the childcare DC they also provide meals. In summer they have trips.

We're so lucky to have them on our doorstep.

safe, clean parks and playing areas for the children, its great to be able to get them out of the house for free

I could not live without the Waitrose in Maidenhead (sorry Co-op), but it opens at 7:30 and there is plenty of free parking and free coffee. Baby changing facilities and toilet. Could do with a feeding room though... it's perfect for when I drop the eldest off to school.

What I need however is a library with children's toys that opens at 7:30 (with free coffee) that has a park outside, toilets and baby change.

.......and free parking

For someone who doesn't believe in God I always think that having a church in the local community is really important as it becomes a focal point for so many groups, bringing people together who might not otherwise be able to meet up with eachother.

We are also lucky in that we have three local parks within walking distance and a little library that has lots of events going on.

Our library - I have spent many happy hours in there with the children.

My book group - gives me a night out once a month in good company.

Our local museum, which has lots of outside space - we buy a season ticket every year and have lots of walks and picnics.

Our local youth club, which has a cafe for everyone inside, with lots of toys.

Our playground. It's the hub of the community for parents and carers, sitting on the high street in between shops and schools. I love that we can go there and always bump into a friend.

We have a small playground and playing field near us which is great for the kids to let of steam. Not too busy either so it's perfect.

Wow, so many things! We're in a small village (population approx. 2500) and the thing that springs to mind first is the Post Office! They sell lots of stationery and toys as well as the usual post office services, and the ladies who work there are all lovely. I work from home and I'm in at least 2 or 3 times a week!

The park without doubt, gets us out and exercising and all her little friends go with their mums too. We really are lucky to have it, must say the council did a great job

Our local library, closed two years ago and now demolished. We really miss it.

The library, the community centre, the river and our city councillor. She works apparently 24/7 and knows everything about the area. She always knows someone who can help with any query.

Definitely the library and local parks. One of the parks could definitely do with a bit of sprucing up, but we're lucky to have 2 within walking distance. Our local church hall is a hub for community activities like classes, community outreach and toddler groups. We're also lucky to still have quite a few independent shops on our high street - a greengrocers, fishmongers, butchers, bakery - which gives the area a village feel.

My amazing little girl! She makes any bad day amazing just by her smile!

Local play parks within walking distance that have stuff for a range of ages are absolutely brilliant to have.

I moved house last year and found myself with a great library 15 mins walk away.