Star stories: Kindness in the bank!
The Co-operative Bank’s city centre branch has been recognised with one of our ‘Stars for Stars’ awards in celebration of its compassionate approach to customer service and mental health awareness.
The award is part of our wider mission – supported by Southampton City Council and the NHS – to help make Southampton a mental health friendly city.
Foster kindness
Our initiative shines a spotlight on organisations that foster kindness and mental wellbeing in our community.
The Co-operative Bank was nominated to us by a member of the public who witnessed the team’s thoughtful support of a customer living with early-stage dementia.
Surprise
Branch Manager, Sam Gregory says: “It feels fantastic. It was a really nice surprise. I had no idea it was coming.
“It was surprising because I don’t think we did anything different to how we normally serve any of our customers. It’s just how we expect all our colleagues at the Co-operative Bank to behave really.”
Dignity & care
Sam and his team were praised for stepping in when the customer had struggled elsewhere, offering extra time and understanding to ensure her needs were met with dignity and care.
He explains: “All she needed was some extra time and a bit of kindness so we could understand her situation. Then it was quite easy to find the best way to securely meet her needs and, most importantly, make her feel safe and valued.”
Reflection & inspiration
The award has sparked reflection and inspiration within the branch.
“It’s nice to get that nomination and some recognition for the service that we give. I think it’s really good to have some positivity locally too. It showcases on some of the awesome organisations we have in the area.
Support
“I’ve talked to my team about who we work with locally that we could pay this forward to. It also gives us the opportunity to say, ‘Look, other people have anonymously said that they think the work we do is great. So come and work with us and talk to us about the support we might be able to give you.’
Connection
“It’s going to make us all a lot closer and more connected in Southampton, while creating a kinder environment for all to thrive too.”
Who else received awards?
The Co-operative Bank joins six other city-based organisations who received the award retrospectively and are our summer quarter ‘Stars for Stars’, read all about them here. They were all celebrated for their commitment to mental health friendliness in Southampton.
How to nominate
Put forward your star, or stars, today and help us make Southampton a brighter, more compassionate place for all. You can nominate them here! You can also find out more about the scheme here.
Photo taken with thanks to Tim Kenyon Photography