A Redruth based charity offering focussed support for bereaved children has been given a grant of £15,000 by the Cornish Freemasons.

Penhaligon's Friends CEO Julie Parker, treasurer Ben Phillips, and business administrator Jo Woolard, of Penhaligon’s Friends in Redruth based in Redruth was presented with a certificate by the head of Freemasonary in Cornwall David Maskell.

He was accompanied by his deputy David Leaity and one of his assistant’s Graham Bennett together with the Acting Grand Charity Steward, Alan Powell.

The presentation followed their successful application for a grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).

James Daniel, who has a long association with the charity was also in attendance.

Penhaligon’s Friends is the only service in Cornwall offering focussed support for bereaved children up to the age of eighteen, and last year alone the charity supported 994 children and young people from 681 families across the Duchy.

The money will go towards providing the care required during a child’s period of grief, which can often require ongoing support particularly around suicide and traumatic loss, which may have longer term implications and often needs to be revisited.

The range of services offered include telephone support, care packages, resources, monthly groups, family visits, 1-1 support, Memory Days, school support and are given to each family according to their individual needs.

The charity also provides training for both care professionals and volunteers and their open referral system enables easy and early-access for families.

Despite the charity having 55 trained volunteers and only nine members of staff, it still has annual operational costs of approximately £250,000 a year to enable them to meet the level of care required, making the Freemasons grant a much needed and welcome boost to the charities finances.

Following the presentation David Maskell said: "I am delighted that the Masonic Charitable Foundation can provide support funding to Penhaligon’s Friends.

The charity looks after children at the most vulnerable times and provides a marvellous service throughout Cornwall."

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On receiving the Grant Julie Parker said: "Our charity is looking to grow and develop our range of services across the county after the restrictions during the pandemic, which has been quite a challenge as donations and fundraising have declined with the current cost of living impacts on our communities.

"The funding from the Masonic Charitable Foundation will help to strengthen our income over a 3 year period, enabling us to concentrate on our service delivery, and reach more bereaved children and families here in Cornwall.

We are really grateful for the support from Masonic Charitable Foundation.’

For more information or to find out how support tghe charity go to  www.penhaligonsfriends.org.uk or call the team on 01209 215889 or email enquiries@penhaligonsfriends.org.uk

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