Autistic children and young people aged eight to 12 in the London Borough of Bromley are set to benefit from life-changing support, thanks to a £60,000 grant to CASPA (Community, Autistic Support, Pride and Advocacy) by West Kent Freemasons.
West Kent Freemasons presenting the £60,000 cheque to CASPA
The funding will support CASPA Inters, a weekly social and development club for autistic children in Orpington. At Inters, members choose from a range of supported activities including cooking, science, arts and crafts, sensory play, sports, board games and trampolining. Sessions are carefully designed to help children develop social and communication skills, build self-worth, and explore their interests alongside friends who understand them.
For many autistic children, finding a safe, consistent space to grow and connect with peers is not easy. Mainstream settings can be overwhelming, and social opportunities are often limited. CASPA Inters offers a genuinely inclusive environment where children are supported at every step, from the activities themselves to a midway break with drinks and a tuck shop. This helps members practise everyday social routines in a relaxed and familiar setting.
It is estimated that there are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK. Many autistic children experience significant barriers to social participation and are at greater risk of isolation, anxiety and poor mental health. Access to consistent, high-quality support during childhood can have a profound impact on long-term wellbeing and independence.
CASPA is a registered charity that receives no government funding. It relies entirely on donations and fundraising to provide its services. The MCF grant will allow CASPA Inters to continue and grow, reaching more autistic young people across the borough who need this kind of structured, specialist support.
The grant from West Kent Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Sarah Towler, Chief Executive of CASPA, said:
“We’re ecstatic about this generous funding from West Kent Freemasons. It will allow us to truly support our current members and welcome future members into the Inters Club. Every child who comes through our doors deserves opportunities, community and the chance to thrive. This grant makes that possible.”
Andrew Waddington from West Kent Freemasons, said:
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help CASPA with their hugely important programme supporting young autistic people across Bromley. It can be very difficult for these children to find a place where they can develop at their own pace and in their own way and the impact of this wonderful charity’s social and development club can be profound.”
