Grant keeps Darlington lunch club running

A community lunch club in Darlington is set to continue welcoming older residents thanks to new funding that will help cover accessible transport to the weekly gathering.

Willow Road Community Centre, which hosts a volunteer-run lunch club each Wednesday in partnership with Age UK, has received a £2000 grant from the Banks Group’s Banks Community Fund to support the service.

The funding will be used to hire an accessible bus and driver, providing door-to-door transport for around ten older residents who are housebound or have mobility difficulties. 

Without this support, many participants would be unable to attend the sessions at the north Darlington venue.

The weekly event offers a free hot meal alongside social activities including bingo and quizzes, helping older residents stay connected and combat isolation.

With the transport costs now covered for the rest of the year, organisers say the club is also able to welcome more local people who may benefit from the service.

Diane Evans, chair at the Willow Road Community Centre, said: “There’s always a really good atmosphere at the lunch club, and we find that the social side of the gathering is just as important as the meals that we offer, with many firm friendships having formed through the years over a bite to eat.

“Coming along can be the only time in the week that many of our members get to leave their homes or have the chance to talk to and spend time with other people, and we see the difference that it makes to everyone’s well-being every single week.

“Members’ use of walking frames and wheelchairs means that using conventional public transport to get to us wasn’t a realistic option, and without resolving this transport issue, there was a real possibility that there wouldn’t have been enough people attending the lunch club to make it possible to continue. 

“As a small, volunteer-run organisation, we simply didn’t have the fund available to cover the cost ourselves, so we’re really grateful to the Banks Group for enabling us to now do so.

“Their support will make such a difference to the lives of all of our members and we’d love to see more local people coming along to enjoy our hospitality.”

Willow Road Community Centre hosts a wide range of community activities throughout the week, including youth groups, martial arts clubs, yoga classes and parent and toddler sessions.

The grant forms part of the Banks Community Fund, which is administered by Point North and supports community initiatives across the region.

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: “The energy and commitment of the Willow Road Community Centre team make such a positive difference to the area, with the lunch club being just one example of the great work they do.

“It’s very clear just how much club members enjoy their weekly get-togethers and we’re very pleased to be able to help them continue to do so.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →