A Joyful Way To End The Year
On 23rd December, Door 84 was filled with festive cheer as our Christmas event brought together local residents, families, volunteers and special guests.
We were delighted to welcome members of the community, a visit from the Lord Mayor of York, and of course a very special appearance from Santa himself!
A big thank you to the fantastic Nestlé staff, who in the lead up to the day, helped our elves wrap presents for the children attending the event. Each child received a present from Santa, bringing plenty of excitement, as well as a snowman craft activity for those who wanted to get creative.
This year, we were also joined by Emerging Talent, a brilliant project designed to help young people and older people find their way into the music scene and associated arts. Young people (and adults) took to the microphone to sing carols, favourite songs and share their talents with everyone.
Thank you to everyone who came along, volunteered, and donated to our raffle, you helped make Christmas magical for the York community.
To get involved or volunteer, explore this page and keep an eye on our social media for details of upcoming events coming soon.

Christmas Event For Everyone at Door 84 in York!
Looking for something fun, free, and family-friendly to do this Christmas time?
Come along to Door 84’s Christmas Family Event:
Tuesday 23rd December, 11am – 3pm (Raffle prize announcement at 1pm)
We’ve got something for everyone:
- Christmas crafts
- Santa, and a present for each child
- Tasty refreshments
- Kids eat for Free
- Tombola & raffle (over 20 raffle prizes!) Try your luck and win some brilliant prizes!
Raffle prizes include:
- Festive Food Hamper worth £75
- £50 Bombay Spice Restaurant Voucher
- Wine
- Slippers
Whether you’re a regular at Door 84 or brand new to our community, this is the perfect chance to pop in, have fun, and enjoy some festive time together.
FREE ENTRY Everyone welcome!
If you’d like to help donate a raffle prize, we’d love to hear from you, just get in touch.
We can’t wait to see you!
Location: Door 84, Youth & Community Centre, 84 Lowther Street, York, YO31 7LX.
Please note: there is no parking available on site, accessible toilets are available.
Any questions? Get in contact here
Grace Smashes Marathon & Fundraising Targets!
A HUGE congratulations to Grace, one our amazing volunteers who absolutely smashed the Yorkshire Marathon, on Sunday, 19th October.
Running for Door 84, her original fundraising goal was an ambitious £500. But thanks to the incredible generosity of friends, family and community members, she hasn’t just hit it – she has smashed it, currently raising over £1000!
The money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of the young people and community members that Door 84 supports.
Grace shared her thoughts on the monumental challenge.
“The marathon was definitely not easy, with my legs feeling achy way earlier than I would have liked them too! However, I kept going with the help of so many supporters including my family and friends.
It was such a surreal experience to run over that finish line, and I am still processing the many emotions from the day.
I am so proud to have been able to support Door 84, and have raised over £1000 to help the people they support.”
A massive thanks to all who donated and and a huge congratulations to Grace for her immense physical effort and her success in fundraising.
She is a true inspiration!
If you’re interested in fundraising or offering support, please contact us or visit our Get Involved page for more info.
Free 5 Week Cooking Course
Looking for something new to do?
Join our free 5 week cooking course.
Starting Thursday 6th November 2pm – 3.30pm
Cooking from the Cupboard is all about easy ingredients but tasty results.
Perfect for anyone not currently in work, education or training.
Each week you’ll:
- Learn to make easy, tasty winter meals using simple cupboard ingredients
- Prepare your ingredients to take home and cook later
- Sample the finished dish together at the end of each session
- Learn new skills in a friendly relaxed setting.
Session dates are:
Thursdays – 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th of November and the 4th December.
Sign up today!
For further information or to book your place either call 01904 623177, contact us or pop into the office at 84 Lowther Street, The Groves, York, YO31 7LX

Grace Goes the Distance for Door 84
York student and volunteer takes on her first marathon to raise funds for Door 84.
When Grace first joined Door 84 as a volunteer during her time at the University of York, she quickly saw just how much of a difference the charity makes to young people and the wider community. What she didn’t expect back then was that she’d one day be running a marathon to support us!
On Sunday 19th October, Grace will take on the Yorkshire Marathon (26 miles) – her very first – raising funds for Door 84.
Grace says “this is a completely new challenge for me, one that’s been testing both physically and mentally. Training has meant long runs in the rain and mud, figuring out how to fuel my body properly, and pushing myself on the days when I’ve least wanted to.”
Grace trains three times a week, mixing long runs, intervals, and slower recovery runs – sometimes with friends joining her, and always with a favourite podcast to help her focus. She’s had to push herself to prepare for the full 26 miles.
Her fundraising goal is to reach – and hopefully surpass – £500. When the race gets tough, Grace knows she’ll find the strength in her supporters: “I know how hard I have worked for this day, and so when things get tough I hope I will remind myself that I can’t give up for myself and all the work I have put in.”
The money Grace raises will go directly towards keeping Door 84’s doors open and making a difference in people’s lives. Every pound can help in so many ways – from enabling young people to attend our youth sessions in a safe, warm space where they can relax and be themselves, to providing resources for our food bank, or funding activities for our adult social groups for people with disabilities. Quite simply, your support helps us continue to reach those who need it most and enhance lives across York.
For Grace, crossing the finish line will be a proud moment. “I will be so proud of how hard I have worked for months, and how I have been able to do this whilst raising money for such an incredible cause.”
We’re so proud of Grace for taking on this challenge, and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way. You can cheer her on too – and support Door 84 – by donating to her Crowdfunder page:
Help Grace meet her target by donating here
Pedal for Purpose – 84 Miles for Door 84!
We’re raising funds to help our community get active through inclusive sports and movement-based sessions – from youth clubs trying new activities to our SPARKS project attendees enjoying bowling trips and more.
These opportunities build confidence, skills, and friendships – but they come at a cost, and that’s why we’ve launched Pedal for Purpose.
On Wednesday 22nd October, a static bike will take centre stage in our café at Door 84, Lowther Street, York.
Volunteers (and anyone who pops by!) will pedal all day to hit a target of 84 miles – the same as cycling from Old Trafford to York!
Whether you ride for a few minutes or a few miles, every push of the pedal helps.
Funds raised will support our Youth “Get Active” sessions and SPARKS project, with any extra going straight back into running our community services.
Please cheer us on, join the ride, and donate if you can.
Together, we can keep York moving and connected!
To donate via our Crowdfunder page, click here
Thank you for your support.
Team Door 84 Takes On The York 10K
Team Door 84 consisted of 10 brilliant runners who took on the York 10K this year. They smashed it – doing a fantastic job from the start line to the finish, powering through the unpredictable York weather!
Thanks to their dedication and hard work, they’ve raised an amazing £1,616 – all of which will go directly towards helping us keep our services running and supporting people across the community.
A huge thank you as well to everyone who came out to cheer on Team Door 84 – your support made the atmosphere even more special and gave our runners a real boost!
Didn’t get a chance to donate yet? No worries – there’s still time!
Donate here
Running for a cause: Door 84 takes on the York 10K!
We’re lacing up our trainers and hitting the streets for the York 10K, all to raise vital funds for our charity.
Join us in cheering on Team Door 84 as they run, jog, walk, and inspire – every step making a real difference. On Sunday 3rd August, our dedicated team will be taking on the scenic York 10K route, starting at 9.30am. Our amazing team of fundraisers are getting stuck in to support the work we do here at Door 84.
From our vibrant youth sessions and fun Sparks project to our essential Food Bank and welcoming Community Café, Door 84 supports individuals and families across the city to lead happy, safe, and fulfilled lives.
Why Your Support Matters: More Than Just a Run
Every step taken by Team Door 84 helps us continue our vital work. Your generous donations directly help support:
- Youth Sessions: Providing safe spaces and engaging activities for young people in York.
- Community Support: Offering practical help and a sense of belonging through our Food Bank and Community Café.
- Reducing Isolation: Helping individuals thrive in a social setting, build confidence, skills, and connections for a brighter tomorrow.
We are immensely grateful to every single person who has joined our fundraising efforts.
Spot the Door 84 Crew!
If you’re heading into town on the day – keep an eye out for the Door 84 crew! Our team will be dotted around the city giving out high-fives, cheering runners on, and spreading some classic Door 84 energy!
Join Us in Making a Difference – Donate Today!
Want to support our amazing runners and contribute to a fantastic cause? You can donate right now and help us reach our fundraising goal. Every single pound makes a tangible difference to the lives of people in York.
DONATE HERE
Let’s go, Team Door 84!
Summer Fun For Everyone at Door 84 in York!
Looking for something fun, free, and family-friendly to do this August?
Come along to Door 84’s Summer Family Event on:
Thursday 14th August, 1–5pm – it’s going to be packed with good vibes, great games, and even better memories!
We’ve got something for everyone:
Summer crafts to get creative
Fun games for all ages
Tasty refreshments
Tombola & raffle – try your luck and win some brilliant prizes!
Kids eat for FREE!
Whether you’re a regular at Door 84 or brand new to our community, this is the perfect chance to pop in, have fun, and enjoy an afternoon together.
FREE ENTRY – Everyone welcome!
If you’d like to help donate a raffle prize, we’d love to hear from you – just get in touch.
We can’t wait to see you!
Location: Door 84, Youth & Community Centre, 84 Lowther Street, York, YO317LX
Please note: there is no parking available on site, accessible toilets are available.
Contact: info@door84.org.uk
Roar for Door 84 at this year’s race!
We’re off to the races again – quite literally! Team Roar for Door 84 is gearing up for the 2025 York Dragon Boat Race on Sunday 13th July, and we’re bringing the energy, the oars, and the community spirit with us!
Teaming up once again with our fantastic rowers from, John Wright Electrical & Mechanical Services and RotaCloud, we’re more determined than ever to paddle our way to victory.
You might remember us from last year – in 2024, ‘Roar for Door 84’ proudly took home The Charity Trophy as the fastest charity team and even powered our way into the finals! This year, we’re not just hoping to reclaim that trophy; we’re aiming for an even higher finish in the overall standings.
The Dragon Boat Race raises money for a number of brilliant causes nominated by the Rotary Club of York – and our team is also racing to raise vital funds for Door 84 Youth & Community Centre. Every donation goes directly toward helping us continue to support young people, adults with additional needs, and the wider York community.
We’d love to see you there! Join us by the river next to Lendal Bridge on race day to cheer us on.
Can’t make it in person? You can still make a huge difference by donating online.
Click here to donate to Team Roar for Door 84!
Every penny helps us empower people to lead happy, safe, and fulfilled lives. Thank you for getting behind us – we couldn’t do it without you!
Let’s make some noise (and maybe some waves) for Door 84!