The Somerset Masonic Charity has made a grant of £2,500 that has been matched by a further grant of £2,500 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is a national Freemasons’ Charity funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, making a total donation of £5,000, enabling SWALLOW to start their Forest Group Project.
On Friday, 9th February, a group of local Freemasons, together with their wives & partners, attended a presentation at the SWALLOW’s café in Radstock, delivered by two of the members, to hear all about the project. Ray Guthrie, Head of Somerset’s Freemasons, attended together with Graham Puddy and Steve Collings, representing The Somerset Masonic Charity and Masonic Charitable Foundation.
Starting in April, the Forest Group & Woodwork Project is for adults with learning disabilities. It will be a safe and welcoming space where individuals can explore nature and learn various outdoor skills, including plant and tree recognition, building shelters, making fires, cooking and woodwork projects. These sessions will be facilitated by a qualified Forest Group tutor who currently volunteers with SWALLOW. The woodwork element of the project will enable the members to make handcrafted products that would create a valuable work opportunity where they can sell their work in the community whilst also bringing in a small income stream for the charity.
The Forest Group will also facilitate a deeper connection with nature and a greater respect for the environment. Research shows that spending time in nature has multiple benefits for both mental and physical health. It can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anger. Being outdoors can also help to increase vitamin D levels, which is beneficial to health and well-being.
Bev Croney, SWALLOW’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are very grateful for this amazing donation from the Freemasons. This will allow us to start the Forest Group, which our members have been asking for. They love being outside and enjoying nature.”
Graham Puddy, on behalf of Somerset Freemasons, said:
“I am very pleased we have been able to support SWALLOW with their new Forest Group. This will enable local people to develop additional skills to benefit them throughout life.”
