16/02/2026
Portsmouth children and families facing difficult circumstances will be helped in crucial early years thanks to Hampshire Freemasons
Over 60 children, including some experiencing poverty, homelessness and domestic violence, and their families, will benefit from a new mental health and emotional wellbeing initiative, thanks to a generous grant from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Freemasons to the Roberts Day Nursery in Portsmouth.
The £56,000 grant will fund the launch of Mini Minds Matter, an exciting new project supporting children aged up to five years old through activities that nurture confidence, adaptability and emotional awareness from the very start of their learning journey. The initiative brings together the MyHappyMind, and Boogie Mites wellbeing programmes, alongside weekly yoga sessions, to help children develop healthy mental habits through music, movement, and mindfulness.
New ‘calm corners’ have been created within the nursery, featuring sensory lighting and soothing materials that provide a safe and comforting environment for children to regulate their emotions. Daily circle time and Early Talk sessions will encourage social interaction and strengthen communication skills, laying the foundations for positive relationships and self-expression.
Beyond the nursery, Mini Minds Matter extends its impact to families through parent workshops, including baby massage and baby yoga sessions that promote bonding, relaxation, and emotional connection. Parents will also receive home activity packs to help continue this important work, ensuring the benefits of the programme reach every part of family life.
To ensure this support is delivered with care and understanding, staff at Roberts Day Nursery are undertaking Level 3 training in Child Psychology. This training equips them with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to each child’s emotional needs using a trauma-informed approach. The skills gained will also be shared with parents, helping families to better understand and respond to their children’s feelings at home.
Roberts Centre CEO Mel Goddard said:
“We’re very grateful to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Freemasons for this generous grant. This is a heartfelt initiative that puts children’s emotional wellbeing right at the centre of everything we do. Through Mini Minds Matter, we’ll help children learn to understand and express their feelings, build stronger relationships, and develop the calm and focus they need to thrive.
John Pearson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Freemasons, said:
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help the Roberts Centre with this hugely important project helping some very vulnerable young children in Portsmouth. The Roberts Nursey is known for accepting children that other nurseries refuse to take because of their complex needs, including some who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. I’m proud that Freemasons are supporting this wonderful charity.”
For further information about the E.C. Roberts Centre, please contact: [email protected]
Masonic Charitable Foundation
Roberts Day Nursery
