Last week, John Sinclair and David Watson visited Branching Out, Littleport to see the impact of donations totalling £1,150 from Descensus Aquarum Lodge, St Audrey Lodge, and The Ely United Lodge of Instruction. They were met by Joshua Hunt, Operations Manager, who introduced them to some of the staff and the adults they support and had an opportunity to witness them all at work.
Branching out provides very valuable support to adults with learning difficulties for a variety of different causes, many on the autistic spectrum. The dedicated and enthusiastic team helps give the adults the opportunity to have a sense of achievement through their small market garden, plant beds and vegetable patch, where they undertake the planting and caring of seasonal plants, selling them at the gate and in their charity shop in Littleport.
They also have the opportunity to learn cooking skills in a kitchen area and make things like dog biscuits which they sell. They also provide workshop facilities where they make all sorts of things, such as upcycled furniture, bug hotels, bird boxes, and many arts and craft objects which they sell.
This gives great opportunities for those that attend to have aims, ambitions, interests, and ability to achieve in a safe and caring environment. The atmosphere that we experienced made this feel a very happy and welcoming place to be, made possible by a very professional and caring team.
Joshua Hunt told us that they will use the donation to carry on improving service and increasing the activities and projects, rather than just in the general running costs, and added: “All of our staff, volunteers, and the adults we support really appreciate this kind donation and will benefit massively from it. Thank you to the Ely Freemasons who organised the donation and came to visit the site this week to meet our staff and talk to some of the adults we support.”
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Notes to Editors
Photograph shows the team at Branching Out meeting up with John Sinclair & David Watson
About Cambridgeshire Freemasonry:
The Masonic Province of Cambridgeshire is relatively small, with Masonic Centres in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, March, Chatteris, Whittlesey and Wisbech. There are around 1500 Freemasons and 32 individual lodges. We pride ourselves on our friendliness and inclusivity, with members drawn from all walks of life and professional backgrounds. We welcome enquiries from anyone who is curious about our values and our history.
More information is available on our website https://www.cambridgeshirefreemasons.org.uk/ and enquiries should be directed to our Provincial Information Officer:
Jon Cooper press@pglcambs.org.uk 07714 763427
About Branching Out
Branching Out support adults with learning disabilities in a variety of fun work experience and social activities. Their high quality staff team help people, with encouragement to overcome difficulties and achieve in everyday life.
https://branchingoutuk.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheBranchingOut/
The Charity Shop is at 12 High Street, Littleport, Cambridgeshire CB6 1HE
