HAMPSHIRE Masons have raised funds to help provide specialist equipment for children and young people at Hampshire hospices.

Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices for children and young adults in Winchester have been given a package of specialist tech by national children’s charity Lifelites, thanks to funding from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons.

The package includes a variety of assistive technology specially adapted for children with disabilities and allows the children to play games with their family and carers, create art and music, and communicate with those around them. Along with the equipment, the charity is also providing training and technical support. Altogether this would usually cost around £50,000 over its four year lifespan, but was donated free of charge thanks to money raised by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

The latest package included an Eyegaze, which allows someone with limited mobility to control a computer using just their eyes. This enables children who usually struggle to control anything for themselves, to play a game, paint a picture and communicate with their family and carers, often for the first time. Other items included iPads, touchscreen computers, games and software specially designed to be accessible for children with disabilities.

Mike Wilks, the Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons said:

“My wife Kay and I have seen the incredible difference which Lifelites technology has made to the lives of children in hospices – the ability for these children to make things happen for themselves, to communicate perhaps for the first time, is priceless. Freemasons across the Province have supported Naomi House and Jack’s Place over the years; and are proud to cover the cost of the new Lifelites package at the Hospice”.

Simone Enefer-Doy, Chief Executive of Lifelites said: “We are thrilled to be able to provide equipment for the children and young people at Naomi House & Jacksplace who have life-limiting, life-threatening and disabling conditions, all thanks to the incredible generosity of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. The magical technology we will donate can be used to play, to be creative and communicate, and enrich the lives of these children and their families, for as long as it is possible.”