Thanks to a grant from Berkshire Freemasons, nearly two thousand disabled children and their families from across three counties will receive help and support.
The £15,000 grant will support children with a wide range of conditions, including learning disabilities, autism and Down’s Syndrome, as well as a number of life-limiting illnesses.
Swings & Smiles offers a timetable for respite, family play sessions, youth clubs, sibling support, and parental support. They also deliver outreach sessions in the community to groups, schools and individuals across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
In the current climate, charities need funding more than ever to continue to serve their local communities. For Swings & Smiles, based in Thatcham, this is no different. In tough times, they continue to build relationships with local funders and businesses to ensure they can continue their vital services, supporting disabled children and their families.
Swings & Smiles is committed to improving the quality of life for disabled children and their families. They want to see a world where ‘everybody has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.’ Their play centre in Thatcham has a range of resources, including a large sensory room and therapy space, an activity room, and a brilliant garden with accessible play equipment.
The grant from Berkshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families, and friends across England and Wales.
Rhonda Nicklin, CEO of Swings & Smiles, said:
‘We’re hugely grateful to Berkshire Freemasons for their generous grant, allowing us to offer disabled children and their families the help they need. There is a large and growing demand from families and carers for our services, and thanks to the Freemasons, we’ll be able to reach many more of them. This grant will go towards part funding a Play Leader over three years. Play Leaders have specialist communication skills to support our complex disabled and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) children to play.”
Mickey Lebana, Charity Steward from Berkshire Freemasons, said:
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Swings & Smiles with their hugely important projects helping families with a disabled child. Whether it’s their play centre in Thatcham or their outreach services that reach families across three counties. This is wonderful work, and we’re proud to support it.”
