Hartlepool Freemasons are proud to have supported the School of SEND and Alternative Education by helping provide new football equipment and opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The funding journey began with a £100 donation from Haven of Rest Lodge No. 4350, which was increased by a further £150 from the Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Association (HMBA). HMBA then submitted an application to Durham Freemasons Charity, securing additional funding and significantly increasing the overall support available for the project.
The presentation was made by Jamie Allison on behalf of Haven of Rest Lodge, alongside students and staff from the School of SEND and Alternative Education, celebrating a partnership that will benefit learners throughout the coming academic year.
Creating Opportunities Through Sport
The funding has enabled the school to purchase new football shirts, football boots in a range of sizes, footballs and other equipment, ensuring more students can take part in football activities and competitions throughout the year.
Many of the students have represented their school at tournaments across the country, including events held at Manchester United’s training ground. Until now, the team had been relying on old rugby shirts found in the school’s sports cupboard.
Katy Mayson, who plays a key role in developing the programme, explained the difference the funding will make:
“Some of our students from the School of SEND and Alternative Education have been lucky enough to take part in some fantastic football tournaments up and down the country, including Manchester United’s training ground.
They had previously been using some old rugby tops we found in the sports cupboard. This donation has allowed us to purchase new team tops along with football boots in a range of sizes.
By receiving this donation it means that going forward we are able to get more of our amazing SEND learners involved. A lot of our students have never been out of Hartlepool, so these events really do give them a chance to realise they are capable of anything and explore new opportunities.
We are incredibly grateful for the support.”
More Than Football
For many of the students, these tournaments provide much more than the opportunity to play football.
Travelling beyond Hartlepool, meeting new people and competing as part of a team helps build confidence, develop friendships and demonstrate that there are no limits to what they can achieve. The funding will ensure that more learners can enjoy these life-changing experiences during the year ahead.
Freemasonry Supporting Local Communities
This project is another example of how Hartlepool Freemasons work together to support organisations making a positive difference within the local community.
A recommendation from a local Freemason led to support from Haven of Rest Lodge, which was enhanced by HMBA before additional funding was secured through Durham Freemasons Charity. By working together, local Freemasonry is able to maximise the impact of charitable giving and help community organisations achieve even more.
Apply for Community Funding
If your charity, school, community group or not-for-profit organisation is making a positive difference in Hartlepool, the Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Association may be able to help.
Applications can be submitted online through our website. Where appropriate, HMBA can also help eligible organisations access additional funding through Durham Freemasons Charity, helping local donations go even further.
Together, we can continue creating opportunities, supporting local organisations and making a lasting difference across Hartlepool.
