LNER sponsors YWCS’s Cook Off 2025

York Women’s Counselling Service (YWCS) is delighted to announce that train operator LNER , whose headquarters are in York, will sponsor our International Women’s Day event - Cook Off 2025.  LNER is backing this year’s Cook Off, which takes place on Tuesday 4 March thanks to the generous support of the Cookery School at the Grand Hotel.  

The Cook Off 2025 builds on the success of last year’s event and pits three prominent businesses in York against each other for a fantastic, fun night, testing teamwork and culinary expertise and raising much-needed funds for a vital local charity.

As well as sponsoring the event, LNER staff will compete as one of the teams, against staff from Anaplan (global tech giant which makes business planning, supply chain and financial software) and Yorvale Ltd (producing award-winning real dairy ice cream in Yorkshire).

Each team will work with the same basic set of ingredients to produce a restaurant quality three course meal for their invited guests.  Teams will compete for awards on the night including funds raised, best table decoration, stand out dish and team culture.  

In addition to a raffle, funds will be raised as guests are invited to make a donation for their meal to reflect its value.  Thanks to additional support from a range of generous local suppliers, who have donated a wide range of items, these funds will go directly to benefit the work of the charity.

Lead volunteer organiser, Jen Saunders said: “The sponsorship backing of LNER means so much to YWCS, as it will enable us to extend the support that is available to women in the YO postcodes.  It will be a real test of collaboration and skill for all our teams, and we know that they and their guests will also have a fabulous evening.“

Jake Orros, Community Partnerships Manager at LNER, said: “We are proud to be part of this special ‘Cook Off’ event raising funds for York Women’s Counselling Service. We recognise the vital support the charity provides to women across the city and the difference its work is making in the community.”

YWCS was formed in 2000 and for twenty-five years, has provided support through its network of qualified volunteer counsellors, to women whose needs cannot be met by public health services because of a lack of availability and affordability.  This event shines a light on the work of the charity in International Women’s Week. 

Women’s poor mental health often creates a cycle within communities that is difficult to break - mental health struggles can impact employment and strain social and family ties, while financial and social stress worsens mental health. YWCS helps interrupt this cycle by providing accessible counselling, ensuring women get the support they need to regain stability and contribute fully to their families and communities.  By investing in women’s mental health, we are directly supporting the economic and social prosperity of York, creating a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.

Our generous event Suppliers and supporters: 

Class One, Cockerills, Filey Bay, Herbs Unlimited, Yorvale, The Yorkshire Pasta Company, Middletons Hotel, York Gin, R and J Butchers

Cookery School at the Grand offers a range of fantastic Cookery Courses and is a generous supporter of local charities.