"Dear Companions. Although Masonry has been brought to a standstill for many months there has still been some back ground work ongoing in respect of Grants made from The Provincial Grand Chapter Charity Fund.
At the last Trustees meeting several good causes and Charities were considered to be eligible to receive a Grant and the following local Charities were indeed successful in receiving a grant of £500.00 each.
New Hope Children's Charity in Worcester where everyone works hard to provide daytime short break care, for families who have children, aged 6-19 years, with disabilities and complex health care needs. They are open every school holiday throughout the year, and every Saturday providing a wide range of activities for the children, on which they thrive: • Water-play • Cooking • Sensory activity's • Tye Dye days • Hot Tub fun • Visits to our Local park and occasionally McDonald’s. The overall aim of the New Hope Children’s Charity is to enable the children to be included in their community; to gain access to the cultures of society and to be included in the community by gaining as much independence as they potentially can. For every child is an individual with the right to enjoy a normal pattern of life within the wider community appropriate to his or her age.
Dementia - the word probably none of us wish to hear about of our own health. it is however something nearly all of us will have had experience of from a friend, colleague or perhaps a family member. The Robin Centre in Kings Heath, Birmingham offers quality care for their clients whilst providing carers with valuable respite. A day at The Robin Centre includes opportunities for friendship and engagement in many varied activities. Indeed, as part of the care breakfast and lunch is catered for along with the “obligatory” tea breaks ! Indeed Transport to and from the Centre is also available with a staff member to accompany all the travellers. Here are just some of the quotes from clients:- “I've got dementia and had it quite some time. I don’t know what i’d with myself if I didn’t come to the Robin Centre. I rely on being here”
“My wife drops me off. She can have a bit of life herself. I enjoy coming here we have laughs together”
The NO Limits Community Project - Working for Autism - in Stourbridge received a grant from the Provincial Grand Chapter Charity Fund and their Project manager has sent this kind response which gives a small view of the excellent work they do…… “On behalf of our Chairman, fellow Trustees, Volunteers, Buddies and Members I would like to reiterate our appreciation of the Masonic Provincial Grand Chapter of Worcestershire Charity Fund £500 donation to our Charity. We cover the Dudley Borough although we are small due to difficulties in recruiting staff, as we don’t pay them, and also supervision ratio required ,i.e., 1 staff to 4 members and the fact that our hired premises are small. We operate from the Coach House in Oldswinford which is an outreach to St Mary’s Church. Over the 11 years we have existed we have had larger premises in other parts of the Borough but in encouraging Members to increase their independence we needed an area where they felt safe and secure to come and go without support. Unfortunately, we have more people referred to us than we can accept. There are increasing numbers referred by G.P’s, Social Services and Mental Health workers. As our service and resource is free this increases the referral rate! We keep membership small because we want to be able to know our members well to enable us to support them and encourage them to lead meaningful and purposeful lives. We know we can make a difference albeit for a small number. We are fortunate in having a founder Member, former Chairman and now Patron, Frank, who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in his 50’s having struggled throughout his life, who regularly undertakes sponsored challenges to raise funds for us. He was to have walked The Great Glen a few weeks ago and sadly his trek has had to be deferred until next year due to Covid. This makes your donation all the more appreciated. All the money we raise is spent on meeting our Members needs. When we are able to resume our Open Days I will invite any of your Members to come and visit us to meet us and our Members and see some of their amazing talents. Until then, Thank you
To each Charity, these grants will be received as much needed funds to continue their work in their own individual sector of providing much needed help and support to those who are most in need in our society.
In conclusion I would also like to thank the outgoing Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Ex.Companion John Wright who has completed five years of sterling work in that Office and has given me such wonderful support and assistance since my appointment in April of this year, thank you John.
The Myriad Centre in Worcester is a place where people with profound disabilities can come to engage with others, and to enjoy purposeful, stimulating days, developing broader horizons and a meaningful life.
The Myriad Centre is a day service for people with profound and multiple disabilities. Now supporting 30 people to a range of activities both in the centre and in the wider community. The Support is tailored to the needs of the individual. Direct support with recreational activities, personal care and physiotherapy is integrated into a stimulating and fun filled day where the people who use the service make the decisions on what they would like to do. As well as an on going programme of activities and trips, or packages include Hydrotherapy, Rebound therapy, physical management, transport , prepared lunches and of course support from the staff team.