Organised by Story
Hextoldesham Lodge raise funds for local charities by doing a sponsored walk every year.
This year they have chosen Minerva!
Please take a look at the website for the Hexham Freemasons to see just how much they contribute to local charities.
https://hextoldeshamlodge.org/blog/
Established by Margaret Maughan in 2000, with backing from her lifetime friend Spike Milligan, Margaret set out on a mission to improve the lives and opportunities for people with learning difficulties. In 2010 Minerva became a charity.
Having worked with individuals with learning disabilities since the 1980’s, Margaret was aware of the importance of life-skill opportunities for students with different learning abilities.
Over the years, the organisation has developed and now supports many adults with different learning abilities by developing individual skills in textile work. Minerva provides an environment where students can develop a range of life-enhancing skills through self-expression.
Students attend structured courses, designed to develop individual artistic skills and promote self-confidence and self-worth. By teaching valuable and worthwhile skills to each student individually, we raise self-esteem and confidence in personal ability.
Minerva not only supports an educational need, it also promotes equality within the community. We promote skills development in numeracy, literacy and creativity through textile related activities. Students are involved in deciding what they create and are in full control of their own work. We find that as their confidence grows, they may excel in one area, which leads to discussions on future projects. Our students are incredibly proud of the work they create, and the skills and confidence gained by being involved in creative art, are exceptional. We have a little shop where the students can sell their products and earn commission.
On Saturdays Margaret started an afternoon drop in for Ukranian children in a bid to help them through arts and crafts find their place in the UK.
Find out more on our website!