THE DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION


The Metropolitan Masonic Charity provided £2,000 to the Douglas Bader Foundation; we sent Bro. Toby Good to see what they do.


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he Douglas Bader Foundation (“DBF”) exists to advance and


promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are without one or more limbs, or otherwise physically disabled. Launched on the 10th February 2010, at RAF Museum, Hendon, Bader Braves was created as a joint acknowledgement of Sir Douglas Bader’s honourary Chieftainship of a Canadian Indian Tribe and the bravery of children with limb deficiencies and other disabilities in their efforts to lead normal lives. Bader Braves supports children


with limb loss and other physical disabilities by offering unique experiences and improving life-


skills to increase confidence. DBF has always acknowledged the importance of the children’s families and carers and, in supporting the children, also aims to benefit those people involved in their lives. The Young Aviators Days and the Events offered by DBF are intended to be inspirational and encouraging in nature, and offer youngsters with limb deficiency and other disabilities with the opportunity of experiencing flight in a light aircraft. In July a record attendance of 50


Braves and their families were treated to a fantastic day of flying. By the end of the day some 20


pilots utilising 15 aeroplanes had collectively flown some 60 sorties and an estimated 95 Bader Braves and some of their family members, as well as putting enormous smiles on the faces of the 217 visitors that the DBF had on the day. It is no wonder that the DBF reported that “Bader Braves Flying Days are a fantastic Success”. For DBF it’s always a pleasure to


see the smiles on the faces of the youngsters when they come down to earth after their flight and DBF feel enormously privileged to be able to share in their excitement and happiness. The DBF website is at www.douglasbaderfoundation.com.


RMTGB DONATION AIDS TEENS & TODDLERS IN LAMBETH


The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys has awarded £10,750 to youth development charity Teens and Toddlers: W. Bro John Little, LGR, reports …


disadvantaged young people the vital interpersonal skills required to avoid becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). The programme in Lambeth – a borough that has high child poverty, has a high proportion of young people who are NEET and low attainment. The 18 week flagship programme


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is unique because it targets two sets of vulnerable children simultaneously, raising the aspirations of young people (age 13- 16) from disadvantaged areas by pairing them as a mentor and role model to a child (age 3-5) in a nursery who is in need of extra


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eens and Toddlers runs an innovative programme that gives


support. This transformative work experience, combined with classroom training, teaches young people interpersonal skills and builds their sense of responsibility so they make positive decisions about their education, their health and their future. The mentoring provided by the teens also helps the toddlers (who may be autistic, elective mutes, refugees etc.) to improve their personal, social and communication skills. The programme gives young


people the skills to address underlying issues that can lead to becoming disengaged, such as low self-esteem, low educational attainment and lack of positive role


models. This is critical to prevent young people from becoming NEET and only 4% of the young people who take part in the programme do so, compared to their teachers’ prediction that 56% will drop out. Graduates of the programme also earn an accredited NCFE Level 1 Award in Interpersonal Skills, which helps them to re-engage with school and go on to further education. Diana Whitmore, CEO and


Founder of the Charity said: “We are deeply grateful to the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys for this money, which will help us to achieve our aim of improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in London and across the UK.”


ISSUE 19


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