‘New Opportunities for Community and Support’ (NOCS) Charity provides support, development opportunities and fun for people with high levels of social anxiety and difficulties with social interaction, particularly due to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as Asperger’s, or mental health challenges.
There are very few support services available for people with these difficulties, many of whom may struggle even to leave their homes and become socially and economically isolated.
Through our games clubs, drop-in centre and volunteering opportunities, members are supported to form lasting friendships, gain confidence and develop their social and practical skills in a safe, secure and happy environment.
NOCS is fully inclusive and the presence of a wide range of gamers with shared interests helps us all to operate in a supportive community, including those with and without specific social interaction needs. It’s important to us that NOCS has a wide appeal whilst targeting support to those with specific social needs.
Charity founder of NOCS Nocturin Lacey-Clarke said:
'This donation was a wonderful extra for our small charity, which means we are able to ensure that maximum funding goes on our day-to-day activities'.
Membership is free and open to anyone older than ten years old, from the catchment area of Dorset. Visit their website here for more information.
Andrew Ward, Master of The Lodge of Honour and Friendship said:
'This is what Freemasonry really is all about, the difference that we can make to small local charities, with focussed goals, is amazing. The work that they do at NOCS is great and we’re really happy to be able support'
The lodge of Honour and Friendship have met in the Dorset market town of Blandford since 1869 and was traditionally a lodge for local farmers, and have always had a strong connection to the local community. The charities they have supported this year have been primarily local charities, such as a local riding for the disabled school. Recently, money was donated to a local music charity and, beyond financial support alone, the lodge is in ongoing discussions with that charity about how they can support them through the use of the lodge building for concerts and other logistical support.
Andrew Ward went on to say:
'Our focus is on being the best members of our community as is possible, and we want to continue to support the local community as our predecessors have for more than 150 years'
