DONATION: The Essex Freemasons gave £40,000 to the FPLD.

CHILDREN with special needs in Redbridge are receiving help from a local charity to boost their employment prospects.

Pupils at Little Heath School, Ilford, will benefit from the ’World of Work Project’, run by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, which is designed to increase the number of work experience opportunities for children in education.

The charity, who received £39,372 from Essex Freemasons, called on employers across Redbridge to be more open to hiring those with learning difficulties.

Christine Burke, from the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities said: “This generous grant from the Freemasons will enable us to connect employers to Little Heath School. We know that employment is possible when partnerships are forged with schools and local employers are offered insight into the skills and talents of young people with learning disabilities.”

Ken Montgomery of the Essex Freemasons said: “We’re really pleased to be able to help this excellent project at Little Heath School. Getting these children into paid employment will transform their lives. We hope that local employers will see the benefits of hiring people with learning disabilities.”