L-R: Gemma and Simon Diggins, Clare Nazerali
This report from Jersey Lodge has been presented by Bro Simon Diggins.
“When the members of Jersey Lodge No 2163 met to discuss where they would like the MPRF fund money to go, 2 charities that had supported their members were put forward. Harlington Hospice and Home-Start Hillingdon. It was decided that the £500 fund money would go to Harlington Hospice, but the Lodge decided to further show its support to the local community, close to their Uxbridge Masonic Centre meeting place, by matching the MPRF grant and donating £500 to the second charity, Home-Start Hillingdon.
Charity Steward for the Lodge, Bro. Simon Diggins, nominated Home-Start Hillingdon after the support he and his family had received following the arrival of their second child, Ethan. Simon’s wife Gemma was grateful for their help saying, ‘after Ethan was born, he was diagnosed with a selection of additional needs and Home-Start Hillingdon’s support allowed us to keep on top of our home life and give us the opportunity to focus on Ethan’s older brother, James, who was having to go through a lot as a young carer to Ethan’. Simon continued, ‘having a home-visitor who could sit with Ethan to allow some 1 to 1 time with James was vital. Having our support volunteer as well as the local groups provided Gemma with the opportunity to chat with other adults and like-minded parents in a period when all of your time can be focused on the young ones’. Simon and Gemma went to present the cheque to Director of Home-Start Hillingdon, Clare Nazerali, at their premises on Long Lane in Hillingdon.
Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping young families through there challenging times. Through home-visiting, groups, day trips and community parties Home-Start can find the best support for you and your family and help you to access local services that are right for your needs. Clare was very grateful for the lodges support as she explained the funding horizon has changed in the current climate and so these donations are vital to allow the charity to continue their work. If anyone is interested in supporting this local charity, visit www.homestart-hillingdon.org.uk. “
