Scotmid Co-operative has announced its UK-wide charity partnerships for 2026/27, with its retail businesses supporting air ambulance services across the communities they serve.
In Scotland, Scotmid Co-op and Semichem will support Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
In the North of England, Lakes & Dales Co-op, alongside the region’s Semichem store, will partner with Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
And in Northern Ireland, Semichem will raise funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (Air Ambulance NI).
Throughout the year, colleagues, members and customers will get behind their respective charity partnerships through fundraising, awareness activity and local events, helping each air ambulance service continue to deliver critical care in the communities it serves.
In Scotland, SCAA operates two helicopter air ambulances from bases in Perth and Aberdeen, responding to time-critical emergencies across mainland Scotland and its islands. As Scotland’s only charity-funded air ambulance service, it relies on public support to bring urgent care to people from cities and towns to rural and island communities.
The partnership between Scotmid Co-op, Semichem and SCAA was officially marked at the charity’s Perth base, where Scotmid colleagues met staff and crew and saw first-hand the work that goes into taking urgent care to people across the country. Scotmid’s support will also be recognised on SCAA’s helicopters.
Across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man, Lakes & Dales Co-op and the region’s Semichem store will support GNAAS. The charity provides lifesaving critical care by air and road, operating from bases in Eaglescliffe in the North East and Langwathby, near Penrith, in Cumbria.
In Northern Ireland, Semichem colleagues and customers will raise funds for Air Ambulance NI, which works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The service brings specialist pre-hospital care directly to people who are seriously ill or injured and can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately 25 minutes.
Karen Scott, Chief Executive Officer at Scotmid, said:
“We are incredibly proud that Scotmid Co-op, Lakes & Dales Co-op and Semichem will be supporting three vital air ambulance charities across the communities they serve.
“As a co-operative, supporting local people is at the heart of who we are, and this approach means our colleagues, members and customers can get behind the air ambulance service making a difference in their own communities.
“Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, Great North Air Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance NI all provide critical care to people facing the most serious illness or injury, often when every second counts.
“Our colleagues, members and customers have a fantastic track record of getting behind our charity partners. Together, we hope to raise vital funds, increase awareness of these lifesaving services and help their teams be there for people in their moment of greatest need.”
David Craig, Chief Executive of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, said:
“Scotmid and SCAA share a very natural connection. We are both rooted in Scotland and focused on supporting people when and where they need it most.
“The support of Scotmid and Semichem colleagues, members and customers will help us reach emergencies across the country, from busy towns and cities to some of Scotland’s most remote areas.
“Every donation, fundraising event and conversation helps us reach more people and increase understanding of a service that can make a critical difference when every second counts.
“We are delighted to welcome Scotmid to the SCAA family and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the year ahead.”
Sophie Snowdon, Fundraising Manager at the Great North Air Ambulance Service, said:
“Lakes & Dales Co-op and Great North Air Ambulance Service share a strong connection through the communities we serve across the North.
“This partnership will help us continue to bring specialist pre-hospital care to people facing the most serious illness or injury, from busy town centres to rural and remote communities.
“Every donation, fundraising event and conversation will help support our teams and raise awareness of the difference they can make when every second counts.
“We are delighted to welcome Lakes & Dales Co-op and the wider Scotmid family as partners and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the year ahead.”
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said:
“Semichem and Air Ambulance NI share a strong connection through the communities we serve.
“The support of Semichem colleagues and customers will help us bring specialist care directly to people facing the most serious illness or injury, wherever they are.
“Every donation, fundraising event and conversation helps keep our service flying and raises awareness of the difference HEMS can make when every second counts.
“We are delighted to welcome Semichem into the Air Ambulance NI family and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the year ahead.”
Fundraising will take place across Scotmid Co-op, Lakes & Dales Co-op and Semichem stores during 2026/27, with colleagues planning challenges, events and activities throughout the year and customers and members given opportunities to show their support.
Funds raised in each area will go to the charity serving that community: Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance in Scotland, Great North Air Ambulance Service across the Lakes & Dales region, and Air Ambulance NI in Northern Ireland.
