A CHARITY that offers help and support to families with disabled children will be able to further its work thanks to a new grant from Berkshire Freemasons.
Thatcham-based Swings and Smiles, which works across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire offers respite care, family play sessions, youth clubs, sibling support and parental support, as well as outreach sessions to groups, schools and individuals.
In all, it helps almost 2,000 children with a wide range of conditions including learning disabilities, autism and Down’s Syndrome, and life-limiting illnesses.
Its play centre in Thatcham has a range of resources including a large sensory room and therapy space, activity room and a brilliant garden with accessible play equipment.
It has been awarded £15,000 by the freemasons, which they say will help fund a team member over three years.
Rhonda Nicklin, CEO of Swings & Smiles, said the grant was generous and the charity was hugely grateful.
“There is a large and growing demand from families and carers for our services and thanks to the Freemasons we’ll be able to reach many more of them,” she continued.
“This grant will go towards part funding a Play Leader over three years.
“Play Leaders have specialist communication skills to support our complex disabled and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) children to play.”
The Berkshire Freemasons made the grant through its charitable foundation.
Mickey Lebana, the group’s charity steward, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Swings & Smiles with their hugely important projects helping families with a disabled child.
“Whether it’s their play centre in Thatcham, or their outreach services that reach families across three counties.
“This is wonderful work and we’re proud to support it.”
For more on Swings and Smiles, log on to: swingsandsmiles.co.uk
