North Tyneside early years children will get help and support to be ready for school thanks to Northumberland Freemasons

Jan 24, 2025

CEDAR 1 – L to R CEO Wayne Dobson, Nursery Manager Shelley Henderson and Norman West from Northumberland Freemasons with some of the children from the nursery (Credit Highlights PR) 

Around 160 local children and more than 200 parents and carers will be receiving help and support in preparing for the first day of school, thanks to a grant from Northumberland Freemasons to the Cedarwood Trust charity in North Shields.

This £60,000 grant will enable Cedarwood to continue delivering vital early years education and family support to children aged 0-5 and their families in North Tyneside.

The Flourish Family Service provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can develop essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills to prepare them for school and beyond. Through activities like music and movement, creative play, and outdoor exploration, the service helps young children meet key developmental milestones. At the same time, it supports mums, dads, and caregivers by offering parenting workshops, peer-led sessions, and expert guidance on topics like weaning, potty training, and managing tantrums.

The Freemasons’ funding ensures that families who face barriers to accessing high-quality early years support will continue to benefit from Flourish. This support is not just about the children – it is about strengthening families. Parents and caregivers will gain the confidence and knowledge they need to create positive home environments that promote their children’s growth and well-being.

CEDAR 2 – Norman West enjoys time with the youngsters ( Credit Mark Malekpour | Caffeinated.Digital) 

The grant from Northumberland Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Wayne Dobson, CEO of the Cedarwood Trust, said:

“This funding is transformational. It will help us make a lasting impact on families, reducing social isolation, improving school readiness, and building a stronger community. We’re deeply grateful to Northumberland Freemasons for their commitment to helping us support some of the most vulnerable families in our region.”

Norman West from Northumberland Freemasons, said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support the Cedarwood Trust with their hugely important Flourish Early Years project. By helping children with both quality early education care and healthy eating options, they will be far better placed when their formal education begins. Children only have one chance at getting a good education and Cedarwood are helping them take full advantage of it.”

CEDAR 3 Wayne and Norman (Credit Highlights PR) 

For media inquiries or additional information about the Cedarwood Trust,, please contact: Wayne Dobson CEO The Cedarwood Trust Email: info@cedarwoodtrust.com Phone: 01912590245 Website: www.cedarwoodtrust.com Follow us on social media:@cedarwoodtrust

About The Cedarwood Trust
The Cedarwood Trust is a community development charity based in North Shields, serving communities across the Northeast of England for over 40 years. Established in 1980, our mission is to tackle social inequality, support vulnerable individuals and families, and foster resilience in underserved communities. Community anchored in the Meadow Well Estate, we work to transform lives through initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen families, and build thriving communities.

For further information about the Masonic Charitable Foundation, please contact Guy Roberts, Press Officer (groberts@mcf.org.uk  |0203 146 3311)

About the Masonic Charitable Foundation

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country. Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the MCF awards millions of pounds each year to local and national charities that help vulnerable people, advance medical research and provide opportunities for young people. The MCF also helps to fund vital services such as hospices and air ambulances and regularly contributes to worldwide appeals for disaster relief.  In total, MCF support helps to improve the lives of thousands of people every year in England, Wales and internationally. As well as providing grants to charities, the MCF supports Freemasons and their families with a financial, health or family need. Visit www.mcf.org.uk

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