Leigh Freemasons donate £1,500 to help special needs Centre

Leigh-on-Sea Freemasons have donated £1,500 to buy four new iPads and protective cases for use by special needs children at ‘Christopher’s Cottage,’

A six-bedroom purpose built residential/respite facility for young people between the ages of 5 and 19 in full time education.

It means that the Centre, based in Mountdale Gardens, Leigh, now has enough iPads for all of the children in its care to use at the same time – helping them to work towards independence and to promote their self-esteem.

Daniel Lambert, manager at Christopher’s Cottage, explained: “We always have at least six children in our care at any one time, but with just one iPad there were obviously problems with sharing.

The iPads are used for playing games and learning other life skills and so play an important part in helping these young people and we are very grateful to the members of Leigh-on-Sea Lodge No. 4708 for this donation – it really will make a difference.”

The Centre first opened for use in April 2004. It is situated in the grounds of The St. Christopher School in Leigh on Sea where young people with special needs are looked after by specialist staff in a safe environment.

It comprises of six respite care bedrooms and two staff bedrooms (all with en suite facilities and emergency call bells). Additionally, there is a lounge, kitchen, dining room, hobby room, soft playroom, T.V. room, quiet room, staff room, visitor’s w.c. and a specialist bathroom.

“One of our members, whose wife works at Christopher’s Cottage, alerted us to the need for new iPads,” said Bradley Thurgood, the Worshipful Master of Leigh-on-Sea Lodge. “Because of that need it was a simple decision for us to vote through £1,500 funding and we were glad to be of help.”

Christopher's Cottage provides experienced staff, who are on hand to provide care 24 hours a day. With a high staff ratio, children/young people are offered intensive support to meet their individual needs.

Photo:

L-R: Dave Poett, Charity Steward for Leigh-on-Sea Lodge; Bradley Thurgood, Worshipful Master; Alex Davies, Lodge member; and centre staff Sherry Daley, Daniel Lambert, Gemma Fuller, Rebecca Shelford and Charlotte Harris