Read on to find out about some of the grassroots charities and community groups Worcestershire Freemasons Charity (WFC) has recently helped. 

 

In the second quarter of the year 2026 WFC has made grants to a diverse cross section of locally based small charities and not for profit organisations, including a major grant to Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

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Health        

      

Mary Stevens Hospice  (£13000)

In support of funding of £12000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation’s Community Fund, a further grant of £13000 was made by the Worcestershire Freemasons Charity. The total of £25000 will be used to fund a stand-alone project to refurbish, improve and expand services provided by the Hospice’s Education Centre.The Centre is a vital asset and resource for the local community as it creates an accessible, welcoming and safe space where health and social care professionals can develop their knowledge and skills in palliative and end-of-life care, including external partners such as charities, NHS and local government bodies.

On 9 June a delegation comprising Stephen Wyer, the Head of Freemasonry in Worcestershire, Paul Wong, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master and two WFC Trustees - Bill Tucker and Alan Robertson - visited the Hospice. We met several representatives who showed us round the existing Education Unit and explained how our funding would transform it into a facility fit for the needs of the 21st century.

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(Clockwise – Alan Robertson, Bill Tucker and Stephen Wyer meet representatives of the Hospice)

 

Campden Home Nursing CIO (£500)

Campden Home Nursing is a registered charity providing hospice care at home for those who wish to be cared for at home during the last stage of their life. Although based in Chipping Campden its services cover the south of Worcestershire. Its services, which, in 2025,  included 8909 hours of nursing care to 188 patients in their own homes. are provided free of charge to patients and families. The grant is towards core funding as the charity is heavily dependent on donations from the public to maintain its services.

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Droitwich Spa Wellbeing Hub (£500)

This is a Community Interest Company based in Droitwich. It offers mental health support to those who are affected by long waiting times for NHS provision and who cannot afford private consultations. Its referrals come from schools, housing associations and other local service providers. Approximately 58% of referrals are adults and 42% are children and young people. The grant is by way of core funding for the service.

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Youth and Education

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Chadsgrove School (£1000)

This school, which is based near Bromsgrove, is a specialist school catering for pupils with physical disabilities and/or complex medical needs. It also accepts pupils with sensory impairments or specific learning difficulties, in addition to their physical disabilities. The grant part-funded a Rifton Adaptive tricycle for use by pupils whose mobility is restricted.

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Droitwich Girlguiding (£500)

As the name implies this is the Droitwich branch of Worcestershire girlguiding. The fencing and gate to their property had become insecure and they were concerned about the security of its contents and also of the girls attending. The grant has paid to replace the gate and the fencing most in need of repair.

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Community

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Hawbush Community Gardens (£1000)

This is a charity catering for the Hawbush, Brierley Hill and Brockmoor areas of the Black Country. Originally an urban farm, it has been converted into a ‘community garden’ which provides sanctuary and relief to residents of the communities.  It comprises a woodland area, an orchard with beehives, a sensory wellbeing garden, a wildlife pond, a grass paddock and outdoor family and children’s areas. In addition, there are allotments which donate freshly grown fruit and vegetables – mostly to the Black Country Foodbank.

The grant is to part-fund the construction of a new shelter for outdoor education, to replace a leaking marquee; providing a dry, sheltered space for family and children’s activities.

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Kings Heath Foodbank (£1000)

A further donation of £1000 for 2026 has been given to the KH Foodbank in support of the efforts of Lodges/Chapters meeting in Kings Heath to help the Food Bank to support local residents who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances.

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Worcester Wheels (£1000)

A registered charity based in Worcester, it provides support and transport to those in the local community who are lonely, isolated and vulnerable. The community transport services ensure local people have access to social, recreational and medical appointments. It also operates a Hub that brings the community together to socialise, develop skills, increase confidence and reduce isolation. The Hub is open 10.00 to 15.00 Monday to Friday and offers a hot two-course meal.

The grant is to fund the acquisition of kits and equipment for crafts, a PA for music sessions and a Video System to enable clients to “visit” places they would be unable to access due to poor health, infirmity etc.

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Wheely Different Theatre Company  (£1250)

Based in Stourport and Kidderminster the Company is an award-winning, inclusive performing arts group. It empowers adults with physical and learning disabilities to build confidence and independence by co-creating, producing, and starring in their own stage shows and touring productions. The productions are taken to Kidderminster Town Hall, local care homes and community centres where, utilising song and movement, they evoke memories and bring festive or nostalgic cheer to the residents. In 2025 the group was awarded the prestigious Kings’s Award for Voluntary Services for its outstanding contribution to the community. The grant is a contribution towards the costs of a new show (props, costumes etc).

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