Community Lunch Club to benefit from £3,500 donation

Older people in a rural County Durham village will be able to enjoy more day trips, free activities and social events thanks to a £3,500 donation from EMG Solicitors.

The money given to the YMCA Teesdale Community Café in Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, has been awarded through EMG's Charitable Fund, managed by Point North. The fund supports grassroots projects and local communities across the regions where EMG operates.

The community café provides a vital lifeline for older people living in the former pit village. Every Wednesday, its Lunch Club brings residents together for an affordable meal, friendship and social connection.

The money donated by EMG Solicitors will be used to pay for four day trips a year, where members of the Lunch Club will be taken to the beach or a garden centre, and a Christmas market in the winter.

Rachel Dyne, Head of Community at YMCA North Tyneside, said: “This funding is very much needed and will make a real difference to people’s lives in the village.

“Each week, around five or six people regularly attend the Lunch Club, where they enjoy a wholesome meal and the chance to catch up with friends. We know there are more people who could benefit from joining us, and we’d love to be able to offer even more support and activities for them.

“The donation from EMG will help fund day trips for members. Public transport in the village is limited, and there are not many opportunities locally for people to get out and about, so these trips will provide a valuable chance to socialise and enjoy new experiences.

“We are incredibly grateful to EMG for this generous donation. Times are challenging for charities right now, so this support is very much appreciated. It will help bring some extra joy to people’s lives.”

The donation will also help to pay for activities such as crafts like paper quilling, card making, colouring in and buying board games for members to enjoy during Lunch Club.

Claire Hewitt, who leads EMG Solicitors’ Social Impact Team which focuses on community giving and managing the EMG Charitable Fund, said: “At EMG, we're passionate about supporting the communities where we live and work, and we're proud that our charitable fund can make a real difference to organisations like the YMCA Teesdale Community Café.

"We know how important it is for people to have opportunities to come together, particularly in rural communities where social isolation and limited transport can make it harder to stay connected. It's fantastic to know this funding will help older people enjoy days out, take part in activities and build friendships.

“We hope this funding will help the Lunch Club continue to thrive and reach even more people in the community."

In 2019, EMG Solicitors set up its Charitable Fund with Point North. As of 2026, EMG has supported over 50 charities and grassroots projects, providing over £300,000 in grants, donations and sponsorships.

As a Certified B Corp firm, EMG Solicitors is committed to using business as a force for good and driving real, measurable impact. All of its community giving is in line with its values and reflects the firm’s promise to support local good causes.

To find out more about EMG Solicitors’ charitable giving, click here: EMG in the Community - EMG Solicitors EMG Solicitors