MORRISONS is trying to do its part for the community by introducing new schemes to cheer people up and spread hope after lockdown.

The Seeds of Hope and Messages of Hope campaigns are currently running in stories across the country- and the branch in Bacup is no exception. 

Natalie-Ann Thomson is the community champion for the Morrisons branch in Bacup.

She has spoken about the scheme and revealed how local residents can get their hands on these post cards and sunflower seeds. 

Lancashire Telegraph: Natalie-Ann ThomsonNatalie-Ann Thomson

She said “I took over the role at the beginning of lockdown.

“We help local community groups and also support local charities, food banks and other group that need it.”

One of their newest schemes is the Seeds of Hope campaign.

Morrisons is giving away over 2.5 million packets of sunflower seeds to its customers both instore and online to promote the idea that we can all plant hope for the future as we begin to come out of lockdown.

The scheme started last week and Natalie said hundreds of seeds have already been given out at her local branch.

Staff members have even shared photos of their children getting stuck in and planting the sunflower seeds.

Lancashire Telegraph: 15 months old Ruby-Maye planting the seeds15 months old Ruby-Maye planting the seeds

However, the kind gestures don’t end there as the supermarket chain has also introduced the Messages of Hope campaign.

Morrisons will giving away half a million free postcards for children to spread messages of hope this week in a nationwide initiative to help tackle loneliness within communities.

Children of Morrisons workers will be colouring postcards and writing messages for the supermarket to distribute to its doorstep delivery customers who are continuing to shield while lockdown restrictions.

Lancashire Telegraph: (Photo: Morrisons)(Photo: Morrisons)

Natalie said: “This will be a lovely way to both combat loneliness and also provide hope for the future now we are gradually getting back to a semblance of ‘normality’ ".

Ms Thomson added that she will also be travelling to schools in and around Bacup to drop off some seeds and postcards for the children to write on.

She said: “They can be sent to a loved one, a care home, neighbour- anyone you like.

“They will also be in store for customers to pick up.”

You can keep up-to-date with Natalie’s work in the Bacup community by visiting her Facebook page.