At our UK charity organisation, True Ambassadors, we focus on supporting change to improve lives and bring communities together. In our latest meeting, we heard from two inspiring speakers—Julie from XYLA and Cheryl from The Co-op.
Julie shared tips on health and wellness, while Cheryl spoke about community projects. They showed how small steps and working together can make a big difference for individuals and the community.
Our first guest was Julie from XYLA. She introduced their weight management programme for adults and children. She shared practical advice on how small, consistent changes can significantly improve health. For example, choosing to walk to the store instead of taking the bus. Paying closer attention to portion sizes and arranging a colourful plate is also important. It makes meals more appealing and enjoyable, helping to build healthier eating habits.
Julie stressed the importance of starting small and setting measurable goals. Trying to make big, drastic changes can sometimes lead to frustration and abandonment. Instead, small changes—like starting with 3,000 steps a day and gradually increasing by 500 as you feel comfortable—can make a big difference over time. She also reminded us that setbacks are part of the journey. Reflecting on where things went wrong can help us approach the challenge differently next time.
XYLA runs sessions for women-only, men-only, and mixed groups. These sessions offer tailored support to help participants reach their health goals. You can get a referral through your GP.
Julie also introduced BetterPoints, a reward system where participants earn points for walking which can be redeemed for discounts at different stores. This approach not only encourages physical activity but also adds a layer of motivation for individuals starting their fitness journeys.
The second speaker, Cheryl from Co-op, shared insights into the community-focused initiatives of the organisation. Co-op is one of the UK’s largest consumer co-operatives, owned by over five million members. The organisation is structured to ensure that members have a say in its operations, reflecting its commitment to democratic principles. They actively participate in decisions about the causes the company supports.
Cheryl highlighted the significant impact Co-op has made over the years. Through its Local Community Fund, the Co-op has shared over £58 million with 20,500 unique community projects across the UK since 2020, with True Ambassadors being one of the organisations that benefited. This fund allows Co-op members to choose which local causes they want to support, ensuring that the contributions have a direct impact on their communities.
Cheryl explained how membership works. When members purchase selected Co-op products and services, a portion of their spending is allocated to local causes through the Community Fund.
She also spoke about Co-op’s legacy as a pioneer in the Fair Trade movement, which began over 30 years ago. In 1992, the Co-op became the first major UK retailer to sell Fairtrade products, starting with Cafédirect coffee. Members decided to lead the way in supporting ethical practices, setting a standard for other organisations to follow. Currently, Co-op members are involved in discussions about which causes to support next, ensuring the organisation’s impact remains meaningful and aligned with community needs.
The session reminded us how small, consistent actions can improve our health and how working together can bring real change to our community. True Ambassadors is proud to be a charity ambassador, supporting change that empowers people and makes our community stronger.
Keep an eye out for updates on our next sessions. Remember, every small step matters—whether it’s for your health or making a difference in the world.
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