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This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Hatcher-Davies, the Community Champion at Morrisons Eastbourne. From local charities to community support initiatives, Kim shared how Morrisons is making a real impact in the local area.
Morrisons appoints a Community Champion in every store and site to strengthen its commitment to local communities. These dedicated colleagues serve as vital links between the supermarket and the community they serve, ensuring that Morrisons' support reaches those who need it most. Kim has been part of the Morrisons team since the Eastbourne store first opened its doors in 2012.
Kim said: “My role is to help the little people have a voice, it’s all about raising the profile of organisations and charities that aren’t so well known. It’s important that our customers know we are out there for support and it's not about making money.”
Eastbourne’s Morrisons is deeply committed to supporting local charities and community initiatives. Among the many organisations they work with are Defiant Sports, Eastbourne Food Bank, and St Wilfrid’s Hospice. They also support local schools including Oakwood and West Rise. In addition, Kim plays an active role in arranging valuable work experience opportunities for young people- organising placements at Hazel Court and coordinating six-week work experience programmes for individuals from Little Gate Farm. These placements give people the chance to work across different areas of the store and develop essential job skills.
“We had a lady with learning disabilities join us from Little Gate Farm. I worked with her on the tills, and at first she didn’t know her numbers. Then one day, it just clicked- and it was incredible. I was nearly in tears.”
The store’s café offers a welcoming space for people to come together. On the first Monday of every month, they host a Veterans Breakfast from 10 am to 12 pm. Veterans who show their badge can enjoy breakfast and a refillable hot drink for just £5.
Kim has even helped us at Coda Pharmacy to put on our own health day at the store where we provided ear checks and blood pressure checks for customers. We are looking forward to collaborating with Morrisons again in the future with more frequent health days!
The store is dementia-friendly, with staff specially trained to support individuals living with dementia. In addition, Morrisons Eastbourne is part of the Sussex Police Safe Place Scheme- a county-wide network of safe locations where people can seek help if they feel threatened or at risk, including those experiencing domestic abuse.
Coming up on December 7th, the store will host its fourth annual Tractor Rally in support of St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Last year, this festive event raised an impressive £3,000 for the charity. The rally features a ‘Best Dressed Vehicle’ competition, where participants decorate their vehicles in eye-catching Christmas themes and drive them through the local area- bringing holiday cheer while raising vital funds.
We’re incredibly grateful to Kim for taking the time to speak with us and share the amazing work she’s doing at Morrisons to support the local community. We hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the many ways Morrisons can offer help and support to those in need.
For more on how local people and organisations are making a difference, visit our community section of our health hub here.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From offering expert advice to delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.