SWINDON Freemasons has donated £1,000 to TWIGS so they can continue to provide their much-needed support to people in the town.

As part of World Mental Health Awareness Week, David Hughes the recent Master of Gooch Lodge, which meets at the Masonic Centre in Old Town, attended an event hosted by TWIGS (Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon).

The event was held in the grounds of the charity’s gardens based at Manor Garden Centre, where members of the public were invited to visit to find out how the charity promotes good mental health using the five ways of wellbeing.

The event also included hands on gardening activities and a musical performance from the Crowdys Hill School choir.

Des Morgan, Provincial communication officer, said: “TWIGS is a superb local charity which supports those experiencing mental health problems.

“The charity was set up in 1997 by Ann Billingham who realised the therapeutic benefits that working with nature could bring. TWIGS now provides places for up to 100 people, allowing them the opportunity to work on projects across Swindon and link with the wider community.

“Swindon Freemasons are regular supporters of TWIGS and look forward to working with them in the future.”

At a recent charity evening Wiltshire charities received over £50,000 from Philip Bullock the head of Freemasonry in the county.