Cleethorpes Freemasons give £2,000 to support young people with special needs
Freemasons from Cleethorpes-based Lord Worsley Lodge have given £2,000 to FLAG – Family Links Around Grimsby – to support its work with young people aged from eight to 19 who have special needs.
Lodge Master Grahame Clayton, Secretary David Alexander, and Assistant Secretary, Stewart Oxborough, visited the Shalom Centre in Rutland Street, Grimsby, where they were greeted by Malcolm Rudkin, the Lodge Charity Steward, who is also the Chairman of F.L.A.G.
The visitors enjoyed a tour of the building, which is leased from the Shalom Youth Centre, during which they met staff and young people enjoying the regular Saturday Club.
Said Stewart: “We had an interesting and informative morning visit – talking to staff, families and children, and it was very clear that this was a haven of support where they could all relax and enjoy themselves.”
The Shalom Youth Centre in Grimsby has enjoyed a new look following a huge refit last year after 52 years of providing support to generations of young people growing up on the East Marsh – a challenging area – and has begun a new chapter thanks to cash from Sport England and North East Lincolnshire Council, and also a previous generous donation by the Lord Worsley Lodge from the New Provincial Benevolent Fund.
It is regularly visited by the local Police and Community Support Officers , whose visits are very welcome. Officers have forged a bond with the youngsters of the Saturday Club. Officers Ryan Thompson and Keith Lawson say this friendship ensures the young people are not wary of police and will happily make contact outside or should they need help.
F.L.A.G. Grimsby aims to provide recreational activities for children from age 8 to 19 who have a range of disabilities and special needs. They look to develop social skills and independence, empowering them to play a role within the community and offer a safe and supporting environment for people to meet and socialise with friends. They have an Autistic Unit, a Juniors Club, Seniors Club and also hold local trips.
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