Nub News spoke to Bev Cook, Director at Huckleberries Nurture Farm CIC in Elstead, a local cause receiving funding as part of November's Co-op Payout.

She told us about the farm, and how the money has helped her to support vulnerable children.

"Our motto is, 'Huckleberries, a place to be me'," she said. "We offer a safe place for children to be themselves and to learn to love who they are."

The farm, which is home to six goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits and a dog, provides a safe, nurturing place where children can escape the pressures of everyday life.

As well as helping to care for the animals and enjoying nature on the smallholding, the young visitors take part in Mindfulness and Yoga sessions.

"We help to build the children's resilience so they can develop tools to help them get through their teenage and adult years, and keep them away from that cliff-edge of mental ill-health," Bev said.

"We give them a respite from their weekly school life. It doesn't really matter why they have been referred to us, when they come to us they leave their responsibilities or worries at the gate, so they can truly develop themselves and learn who they are, and learn to love themselves."

Being chosen as a Co-op local cause was a big boost for Huckleberries, she says.

"Just becoming a Co-op local cause gave us the confidence to grow. I also think it unlocked other funding sources. I think the fact that the Co-op put their trust in us encouraged others to support us," she said.

"We'll use the Co-op payout to fund the upkeep of our animals. They're quite expensive, as you would imagine – they eat a lot! This will directly fund animal bedding, their vet bills and their feed."

How does Payout work?

When Co-op Membersbuy selected Co-op branded products and services,2p for every pound spent is split between community organisations and local causes.

And it soon adds up, because Members have helped raise £15 million for 4,500 causes this year.

From supporting projects that improve access to food and mental wellbeing, to education and employment opportunities for young people, the Local Community Fund has never been so vital.

Huckleberries are one a great example of a community group that have been helped by the fund.

Visit Huckleberries Nurture Farm on Facebook.

To find out more about Co-op Membership, click here.