Children’s mental health service in Grantham receive large charitable donation

Grantham’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHS) has received a large charitable donation from the Grantham Freemasons.

The fraternity presented a cheque for £750 on behalf of the society, to Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT).

The Freemasonry has charity at the heart of their organisation as they teach by practicing concern for others to help those in need. All donations are given directly from members themselves as no donations are collected from the general public.

Kevin Roberts, Master of the Grantham Lodge Freemasons fraternity at the time of the request said: “We are very passionate about helping local charities within our community. Donations are made every week by members through collections and fundraising events that take place throughout the year. Each year four charities that we feel would benefit from a donation are put forward for voting.

“The Trust was suggested by a fraternity member who is familiar with the work of LPFT. They felt care in mental health for children in the local area was important to highlight, therefore the donation was made to the Children and Adolescent Mental Crisis and Home Treatment Team.”

The CAMHS Crisis and Home Treatment is a service available for children and young people who suffer with mental health that requires urgent input to enable a young person to remain at home as opposed to a hospital admission. The team support multiple mental health issues and provide continuity of care for service users. 

Gina Legg, CAMHS Crisis and Home Treatment Service clinician described how the money would be put to use: “The donation will be used to help facilitate the emotional first aid group. This service works to help young people recognise and manage their emotions through helpful and safe coping strategies.

“Individuals are able to take away a self soothe box, which acts as a starter kit to continue these strategies to help maintain positive mental health. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Freemasons and Kevin for raising awareness of children’s mental health within the local community through this donation.”

Philip Jackson, Chair of the Trust’s Charitable Funds committee said:” This is a wonderful donation made to our Trust which will support us to provide the best possible care for our patients that use these services.

“This money will help us to provide our young people and their families with support, by offering them the tools to help them manage when they feel they are struggling.”