Footprints in the Community is a charity that supports children and families living in Redcar and Cleveland to help reduce poverty and isolation and improve health and well-being. This is achieved through several projects, including Foodbank, The Shed, and a Community Café. The charity currently operates ten different projects, four of which are centred around children and families
These include:
- First Steps – the provision of baby equipment and clothing to families struggling to provide for their children
- Lunch Box – crafts, games and activities along with a free packed lunch for children during the summer school holidays
- The Book Club – provision of new books to children who are struggling with their reading, along with various events and book readings to encourage the love of reading
- Bridging the Gap – linking preschool children to elderly residents within a local nursing home.
Redcar and Cleveland is ranked as England's 62nd most deprived local authority area (out of 317 local authority areas) in the 2019 Indices of Deprivation. Children born into low-income households often struggle to maintain progress as similar age groups in more affluent areas. In Redcar and Cleveland, only 13 out of every 20 children starting school are achieving their developmental milestones.
The grant from Yorkshire, North & East Riding Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, funded by Freemasons, their families and friends from across England and Wales.
Ruth Fox, Chief Executive Officer at Footprints in the Community, said:
"We're very grateful to Yorkshire North & East Ridings Freemasons for their generous grant. We work with children from some of the poorest households in the country, many of whom are in urgent need of assistance, whether it's baby clothes, Summer holiday lunches or help with reading. Thanks to the Freemasons, we can give many more children and families the help they need."
Martin Eggermont from Yorkshire, North & East Ridings Freemasons, said:
"I'm really pleased we've been able to help Footprints in the Community with their hugely important projects, giving much-needed help to struggling and isolated local children and families. This wonderful charity gives crucial support where it's most required to some of the most vulnerable people in our community."
