On the 22nd of December 2023, twenty local families each with a disabled child enjoyed a fabulous day-out at the panto thanks to Contact, a national charity which offers support to families with disabled children, and local Freemasons, who support the charity.
Over the last three years, Freemasons, through the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), have given Contact grants totalling £150,000 to help support their Better Together family events programme, which is aimed at bringing whole families together to experience days out, build relationships, reduce isolation, and improve confidence and family wellbeing.
All of the families have disabled children and the activities are chosen to be inclusive whilst still being suitable for children and young people with a range of disabilities and medical conditions. The days-out provide opportunities for the family to experience some much needed fun whilst helping to create new friendships for disabled children and their siblings. The project also provides the opportunity for parent-carers to obtain expert and trusted advice from Contact’s Family Support Consultants; also, to meet other parents who are facing similar challenges in their parenting journey.
Harriet Squirrell (Contact Family Support Programme Manager) with one of the families and Gerry Crawford (Northants & Hunts Freemasons)
The pantomime at the Old Savoy in Abington Square, Northampton was in the finest tradition. Cinderella, with a little help from her best friend Buttons and the enchanting Fairy Godmother, was on her quest to win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. Unfortunately, with her evil Ugly Sisters determined to ruin her chances and the clock about to strike midnight, Cinders had her work cut out!
The grant from Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends from across England and Wales.
Jade Mulligan, Contact’s Better Together Events Manager, said:
We’re very grateful to Northamptonshire Freemasons for their generous grant. Contact’s Better Together events, like this wonderful day out at the pantomime, are aimed at bringing families closer together. They’re an opportunity to share fun experiences, make friends and build support networks.
Gerry Crawford, local Provincial Grand Charity Steward, said:
I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Contact offer local families with disabled children an opportunity to go to the panto and have loads of fun. We know these children can become isolated and lacking in confidence and this kind of event can really help. We hope their day with Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother has been enjoyable and full of excitement. Through our 2024 MCF Festival, Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire Freemasons are aiming to raise over £2,000,000 for the MCF. This will help enable the MCF to make grants such as this in the future.