SINGAPORE : Three new co-operatives, two of which specifically targeting women, are being set up to help Singapore's unemployed and the needy.

The co-operatives will be set up under the Singapore National Co-operatives Federation (SNCF).

One co-operative - Community Kitchen - is started by the NorthWest Community Development Council (CDC). It will supply food to low-income groups in the neighbourhood.

The first of the two women's co-operatives will be launched in March by the South West CDC to provide home-based employment to women.

The other women's co-operative will be set up by the Women's Initiative for Ageing Successfully (WINGS), a non-profit centre.

It will help women, aged 40 and above, to make handicrafts and provide services needed by the community.

A few other voluntary welfare organisations are also keen on forming co-operatives.

The push for new co-operatives is a result of rising costs and inflation caused by events around the world.

The SNCF hopes more Singaporeans will be able to benefit from the creation of news job provided by the new co-operatives.

Singaporeans will also be able to learn new skills and benefit from the provision of valued services and products by the newly formed co-operatives. - CNA/de