Freemasons of Chard Donate to Auesome SEND Support
The Freemasons of Chard have made a significant contribution to the local community by donating £500 to Auesome SEND Support, a group dedicated to improving the lives of families with additional needs and disabilities in Chard and the surrounding areas. Auesome SEND Support is committed to promoting awareness and inclusiveness, ensuring mental health is maintained at a safe level, and supporting siblings and young carers in their ambitions. The group provides a supportive, non-judgmental space for parents and caregivers of children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) to share experiences, information, and find peer support.
The donation from the Freemasons of Chard will be instrumental in helping Auesome SEND Support continue its valuable work. Gary Molloy, the host of the Parent Support group, expressed his gratitude: “Auesome Chard SEND Support Group are grateful for the kind donation which we have received. This will help us to continue to provide a valuable, safe space for SEND children, siblings, and parents to share experiences, concerns, and resources. Including various activities dedicated to those young people who attend our group.” The funds will be used to cover essential costs such as swimming sessions, hiring the astro pitch at Holyrood, and tennis courts. These activities provide opportunities for families to engage in recreational activities, which are crucial for the well-being of both children and their parents.
Jason Stevens, representing the Lodge of Prudence and Industry, no. 1953, shared his thoughts on the donation: “On behalf of the Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Lodge, I am both thrilled and delighted to donate £500 to what is an essential service in Chard, which runs on voluntary donations only. As a parent of a SEND child myself, we appreciate that our children need safe spaces to express themselves, and as carers too, that we also need respite from the varying needs of children have. This is especially important as sadly, there is still far too much exclusion for our children in both public and private life. As Masons, we will continue to support worthy causes in our local community.”
The donation comes at a crucial time for Auesome SEND Support, which has faced funding challenges in recent years. Despite these challenges, the group remains dedicated to providing support and activities for families, ensuring that no one feels isolated or unsupported. For more information about Auesome SEND Support and how you can get involved, please visit their website or attend one of their Parent Support group meetings.
Photograph by Alan Gitsham
(L to R) Jason Stevens (Prudence and Industry); Gary Molloy, Lisa Molloy (Auesome SEND Support) and Andrew Gordon-Reid (Prudence and Industry)
