Eye Opportunity Group is a small registered local charity, established 40 years ago, who support families of children aged 0-5 with a wide range of additional needs, including congenital disorders, speech and communication difficulties, sensory conditions, autism and other neurodiverse conditions.
The £12,084 grant will assist the Charity which runs 6 groups per week specially tailored to suit individual children’s needs to aid their development. They encourage speech development, social skills and increased confidence, preparing children for school. The groups allow parents to have a break, meet others in a similar situation and make friends. The staff offer support and advice to parents and carers, including help with filling in forms, sourcing specialist equipment for their child and supporting them with school applications.
Families regard them as a lifeline as their service is unique in this rural area. They support 40 pre-school age children each year, as well as siblings and parents. Parents note a huge improvement in their child’s communication and confidence. Before attending the groups some thought their child would never speak or go to school and the team of highly trained staff have made this a reality for many children. The three year grant will provide financial stability and enable them to continue providing a high level of support to families.
Sanchia Brandreth, Manager of the Charity commented
'On behalf of the families that will benefit, we would like to thank Suffolk Freemasons for their generous grant; it will enable us to provide essential support for families who have young children with a wide range of additional needs. The grant will go towards the cost of providing specialised play activities for the children, so that they will be able to learn and develop with the aim of ultimately reducing their disadvantage, whilst providing opportunities for fun and enjoyment that would not otherwise be available to them in this rural area.'
Bill Dotesio-Eyres from Suffolk Freemasons, added:
'The easiest thing that any of us can do, is to put our hand in our pocket and contribute to a charity. But a visit this morning to the Eye Opportunity Group teaches us that the support our donation can give is the vital ingredient that allows the real givers to continue to do their work. The volunteers who man and manage this facility make such a difference to the lives of the children and their families, so it is a privilege to know that spending our donation will help them continue to do their wonderful work. I must say we found it hard to come away from such a happy place and such welcoming people.'
The grant from Suffolk Freemasons has been made through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
