Somerset Freemasons Support Families with SEND Children
Local children from 40 families with a parent struggling with their special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) will receive help and support thanks to a grant from Somerset Freemasons to the Bath Area Play Project (BAPP) charity.
The £60,000 grant will support BAPP’s Family Play Support work for families with SEND children aged five to 12 years experiencing adverse experiences.The work will enable families to build stronger relationship and support parents and children to develop resilience.
The funding will make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families by providing specialised assistance through a part time Family Support Worker. Alongside BAPP’s full time Family Play Support worker, these practitioners will provide tailored whole family support for each family, helping them to build strength and improve wellbeing. providing access to appropriate services to meet their needs.
The numbers of children with SEND in north-east Somerset are growing, with a significant increase of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (ECHP). This growth is higher compared to national and regional trends, which supports the importance of a person-centred approach.
Family Support provides early intervention to reduce family breakdown and school exclusion risks, enhancing protective factors for children with special educational needs (SEND). Our non-judgemental family support improves the quality of life for children with SEND, fostering better understanding of disabilities and promoting cohesion at home and school. We help parents build relationships with their children so family life can function, aiding children’s engagement in education.
The grant from Somerset Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Director for Bath Area Play Project, Caroline Haworth MBE said:
“We’re very grateful to Somerset Freemasons for their generous grant. The SEND Crisis highlights that those that shout the loudest, get the greater support and with our Family Support, we can step in and help parents who aren’t as confident, to assist them to get the support that would make a real difference to their family.”
Graham Puddy from Somerset Freemasons, said:
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support BAPP who do hugely important work helping families with SEND children in practical ways designed to keep families together and to give the children the best possible chance to take advantage of their education”.
Photographs courtesy of Les Pickersgill
