All of this is interesting, but none of it is actually that helpful. I don't have money to be investing in things in a way that stock market folk would want. Nor am I that interested in that, it seems like it would eat up more time and interest than I'm willing to give it.
I'm more interested in saving options. I already have a savings account, but I'm interested in what an ISA is and whether it would be a good idea to transfer my savings over to it.
I've tried googling, haven't had that much luck.
And fwiw, i don't think you need to say anything to me about co-operatives.
Open an account with iWeb - http://www.iweb-sharedealing.co.uk/share-dealing-home.asp
get a Stocks and Shares ISA, research some ethical companies - http://www.eiris.org/ - http://www.yourethicalmoney.org/ - http://www.halifaxmarketwatch.co.uk/fund_screener.cgi
buy small half a pence shares - as long as you think you won't exceed 7K in a year, you'll probably increase your money
REMEMBER - Lifts can go up as well as down