South Wales Freemasons support early intervention service 'Better Start, Better Future'

Thanks to a grant of £59,400 awarded to us by the South Wales Freemasons, 66 babies who have, or are at risk of having cerebral palsy will receive specialist and potentially life-changing therapy as part of our early intervention service 'Better Start, Better Future'. 

The grant will allow 22 babies each year for 3 years to have a specialist therapy consultation with our therapy team, along with access to our Family Support Service. By the end of the 3 years, including family members, the Freemasons will have directly supported around 200 individuals in Wales.

The grant from South Wales Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families, and friends, from across England and Wales.

Emma Brooks, Acting Head of Fundraising from Cerebral Palsy Cymru, said:

“We’re very grateful to South Wales Freemasons for their generous grant. The specialist therapy for these children they are funding will take place during the first two years of life when there is the greatest possibility of having a positive impact on their condition. It’s no exaggeration to say that the specialist support and therapy that we can provide them is likely to be life-changing.”

Research shows cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood, with approximately 70 babies born and diagnosed with the condition each year in Wales. The current UK incident rate is around one in 400 births and there are an estimated 30,000 children living with cerebral palsy in the UK.

Here in Wales, it is estimated around 70 babies will be born each year who will have cerebral palsy, and it is our mission to ensure that all babies referred to our services are given the best possible start in life. 

Robert Payne from South Wales Freemasons, said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Cerebral Palsy Cymru with their excellent programme of therapy for children living with cerebral palsy. These babies will have the best possible start in life and the greatest opportunity to reach their potential.”