A NEWCASTLE Emlyn-based charity which supports adults with mental health issues is appealing to all its friends, supporters and service users to vote online to help it receive a £25,000 Community Award from the Freemasons.

HUTS Workshop, in Teifi Terrace, Adpar, is the only charity of its kind in West Wales. It has been established more than 20 years and helps people with mental health challenges and learning disabilities in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

As part of Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations, the Masonic Charitable Foundation is distributing £3m to 300 charities across the country, and HUTS Workshop is one of those selected.

Each of the nominated charities will receive a grant but the public vote will determine how much they receive, ranging from £4,000 up to £25,000.

Those who want to vote should visit the MCF website mcf.org.uk/vote, select the Wales, West page and vote for the charity of their choice. The voting period runs until Monday, July 31.

Sally Chorley, manager, at HUTS Workshop said: “A grant of £25,000 would make a huge difference to our work. I would urge anyone and everyone to go online and vote for HUTS. Please remember that every single vote counts.”

The Masonic Charitable Foundation obtains all of its funding from Freemasons and their families. It is estimated that half of Freemasonry’s total charitable expenditure of more than £33m goes to charities that help people in communities across the country.

Stephen Hookey from West Wales Freemasons said: “We are proud to be able to support many charities across West Wales, but in this special 300th anniversary year we want to involve the public, as well as local Freemasons, in deciding which of the nominated charities should benefit most. I urge everyone to visit the website and vote.”

To vote for HUTS Workshop to win up to £25,000, visit mcf.org.uk/vote