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Leeds Children's Charity receives funding boost from EMR's Building Brighter Futures Fund

Olivia Healey

2026-08-14
Three people standing next to a fence and a pony holding a sign.

- Donation will help provide life-changing breaks and learning experiences for children across Leeds.

For some children, a trip to Leeds Children’s Charity means more than a few days away from home. It can be the first time they have slept in a warm bed. The first time they have explored the countryside. The first time they have had the chance to step away from the challenges they face and simply be a child.

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That is why Leeds Children's Charity has received a £3,000 grant from EMR's Building Brighter Futures Fund, helping the charity continue its work supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged young people across Leeds.

Set within 120 acres of Yorkshire countryside, Leeds Children’s Charity provides residential breaks filled with outdoor activities, learning opportunities and new experiences for children who may otherwise never have the chance to enjoy them.

The funding from EMR will support 12 children aged eight to 11, giving them the opportunity to step away from daily challenges, build confidence and experience childhood as it should be.

These breaks help children return home and to school with greater confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility.

The grant forms part of EMR's Building Brighter Futures Fund, which supports charities and community organisations making a lasting difference in the areas where EMR operates. Through the fund, EMR helps local organisations create opportunities, improve wellbeing, and support people to reach their potential.

The donation is the latest chapter in a longstanding relationship between EMR and Leeds Children's Charity.

For over 120 years, the charity has been part of the Leeds’ response to childhood inequality, working alongside schools, social services, and community partners to help children thrive. The impact extends far beyond a short break, with children leaving more confident, more resilient, and better equipped for the future. The charity reports that 94% of children who attend say they learned that helping others is a positive thing to do.

One child who reflects the impact of this support is Angie. Following the loss of her mother at an early age, Angie now lives with her father, who has ongoing health needs. Together they face significant daily challenges, meaning Angie often carries responsibilities and emotional pressures beyond her years.

Before coming to Leeds Children’s Charity, she had few opportunities to spend time away from home, play freely or simply enjoy being with other children in a safe and supportive environment.

At Lineham Farm, children like Angie are given the chance to step away from those pressures, try new activities, build positive relationships, and grow in confidence. Experiences like these help children develop resilience, discover new strengths, and begin to see a brighter future for themselves.

"At EMR, our colleagues live and work in the communities we serve, so we understand how important organisations like Leeds Children's Charity are.

"They give young people the chance to step away from everyday challenges, try new things and build confidence in themselves. For some children, it can be a genuinely life-changing experience.

"Through our Building Brighter Futures Fund, we are proud to support charities that make a real difference in their communities. We hope this funding helps create new opportunities and lasting memories for the children who visit Leeds Children’s Charity."

- Billy Reid, Operations Manager at EMR’s recycling facility on Pontefract Road, Leeds

“Partnerships like this are vital. They help us reach more children across Leeds to offer safe breaks and outdoor experiences that build confidence and create lasting change.

“Every stay gives a child the opportunity to step away from daily pressures, feel safe and rediscover what they’re capable of.”

-Lisa Williams, Head of Fundraising, Leeds Children's Charity

Leeds Children's Charity supports thousands of children and young people every year through residential breaks, outdoor learning and personal development programmes designed to improve wellbeing, build confidence, feel they belong and see a brighter future.

To find out more about Leeds Children's Charity at Lineham Farm, visit leedschildrenscharity.org.uk.