More than 20 local families with a disabled child had a fabulous day out this week (April 2023) at a country farm, with go-karting, an adventure park and a pet’s corner, thanks to a grant from Northamptonshire Freemasons to the disability charity Contact.
The visit, part of Contact’s Better Together project, was to Rookery Farm in Stoke Bruerne near Towcester. It saw the children getting up close and personal with sheep, pygmy goats, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, ponies and newly hatched chicks, as well as slides, ball pits and many other attractions.
The Better Together family events are aimed at bringing whole families together to experience a day out, to build on relationships, reduce isolation and improve confidence and family wellbeing. All of the families have disabled children and the events are activities that are chosen to be inclusive and suitable for children and young people with a range of disabilities and medical conditions. These days out provide opportunities for the family to experience some much needed fun and help to create new friendships for disabled children and their siblings. The project also provides the opportunity for parent carers to get expert and trusted advice from Contact’s Family Support Consultants and meet other parents who are facing similar challenges in their parenting journey.
The grant from Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Harriet Squirrel, Contact’s Better Together Events Manager, said:
“We are very grateful to Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Freemasons for their generous grant. Contact’s Better Together events like this wonderful visit to Rookery Farm are aimed at bringing families closer together. They’re an opportunity to share fun experiences, make friends and build support networks.”
WBro Gerry Crawford, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Harriet Squirrel, Contact’s Better Together Events Manager with Deputy PGM VWBro. Charles Bennett.
Contact is a national charity supporting families with disabled children whatever their disability or medical condition. Find out more about Contact’s Better Together Events and the other family workshops and events Contact offers.