Shaftesbury Wall Street is a local disability charity based in Hereford. Utilising state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and highly trained staff, Shaftesbury specialise in supporting people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injury or stroke.

In 2024, Shaftesbury ran an appeal to raise money for a hoist, a vital tool to provide safe and secure mobility for individuals with disabilities. The hoists enable safe and comfortable transfers into baths, chairs or beds and help individuals to enjoy communal areas and gardens, enhancing their wellbeing.

Herefordshire Freemasons responded to the appeal and raised £1,200 to provide a hoist for the service, which was sourced through local company TPG Disabled Aids based in Plough Lane, Hereford.

The Head of Freemasonry in Herefordshire, Michael Holland, and Tim Bridgland-Taylor, Charity Steward for Herefordshire Freemasons, visited Wall Street to see the hoist in use. The Registered Manager, Georgia Lloyd, provided a tour of the excellent facilities and they saw the difference the hoist has made.

Georgia Lloyd, the Registered Manager at Shaftesbury Wall Street, said: “The donated hoist is invaluable, as it promotes inclusion and improves the lives of the people we support. This means they can lead a fulfilling and high-quality life.”

Salma Pandor, Shaftesbury’s Community Partnerships Manager, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support provided by the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association in purchasing a manual hoist for the people we support. This hoist will significantly enhance our ability to support our residents inclusively and safely, enabling our staff to assist them in a dignified manner.”

Michael Holland, the Head of Freemasonry in Herefordshire, commented: “We are delighted to be able to help this local charity who provide much needed support. This is just one example of how we have been helping the local community, not just with financial donations, but also offering assistance and support for charitable events and fundraising activities.”

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