Sixteen disadvantaged children have been given a week of respite in South East Cornwall thanks to a grant of £43,296 from the Freemasons of Cornwall.

CHICKS children’s charity provides five-day respite breaks to disadvantaged children from all across the UK, at its retreats in Cornwall, Devon and Derbyshire.

The grant from the Cornish Freemasons will pay for a break a year for the next three years, enabling 48 children to access CHICKS’ services.

The children CHICKS support come from a variety of backgrounds; many are young carers or are living in poverty, while others are victims of bullying or abuse. The one thing they all have in common is the need for a break away from their circumstances.

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

Annie Ashford-Barnden, fundraising manager at CHICKS, said: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to the Freemasons of Cornwall for their generous support. We know that our breaks have a real impact on children’s lives, improving self-esteem, building confidence and encouraging better relationships with their peers.’

Stephen Pearn, The Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Cornwall, said: ‘Our visit to CHICKS led us to understand the excellent work they do helping children who have not enjoyed the same opportunities as many others and for whom a welcome break like this can be such a magical and memorable experience.

‘The Cornish Freemasons look forward to working together with this wonderful organisation in the future to support these special children.’