AUTISTIC children from the Reading area will be able to enjoy valuable play and learning sessions with a number of different model train sets, thanks to a grant from Berkshire Freemasons
A £4,884 grant has been awarded to the Engine Shed charity and will be used to run regular train sessions at the charity’s rented unit in Reading, Berkshire.
The Engine Shed is a special interest group for autistic children, young people, and adults was created over fifteen years ago and is run by volunteers.
The group was set up by parents and carers in response to the lack of welcoming and supportive recreational facilities for autistic children and the isolation the community was facing as result.
It organises regular play sessions at the dedicated unit in Reading, days out at railway attractions and when funding allows, they also run sibling activities and parent information sessions and training.
A wide range of trains (electric, wooden, and plastic) are set up in the dedicated unit, with rooms allocated for the various lay-outs.
Sessions are free of charge and people do not need to book.
The charity is recommended by paediatricians, GPs, Local Authorities, voluntary groups and schools to newly-diagnosed children’s families.
It provides a ready-made community of people who have similar experiences in their community. Funding from MCF will enable The Engine Shed to provide a recreational learning resource, as well as help share new strategies to support autistic children and adults, and the development of new relationships and peer support networks.
The MCF funding will also be used for rent and running costs and will enable the charity to keep the service free.
It also follows a grant of £1,000 from The Welcome Lodge in London in December 2023.
The grant from Berkshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Chair of Trustees Sarah Snow said:
“We’re very grateful to Berkshire Freemasons for this generous grant. Families rely on The Engine Shed for regular and accessible activities for their children and young people. The need for our play and support sessions and the community that evolves around them is growing. We regularly see the transformation that takes place when people find friendship and support. Parents tell us that The Engine Shed is the only place where their children are genuinely relaxed. The funding will cover essential costs and allow us to run more sessions for diverse age groups. This is a great start to 2025 for us! “
Mickey Labana the Charity Steward for Berkshire Freemasons, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help The Engine Shed with their hugely important sessions for local autistic children.
“There is a real shortage of facilities for autistic children locally, and the Engine Shed’s service is greatly valued not only by the children and their families but also by doctors, schools, and local authorities.
I’m proud that Freemasons are playing a part in keeping this vital service open.”
