Jen’s Special Place
Official opening of new premises 7 February 2026
The official opening of their new premises at the Scunthorpe Community Centre was attended by the Mayor of North Lincolnshire Council, Carol Ross, who spoke of its conception in 2014 and the great success of the charity since it was set up. It was also one of the Mayor’s chosen charities during her year in office.
Jemma Akers Jacklin along with Jen’s mother Pauline set up Jen's Special Place in 2014, with the support from family and friends, aiming to provide better access to the help, advice and support that children and their families need in such dark days. Since then, Jen’s Special Place has supported over 300 bereaved children and young people (statistic from September 2024).
In her address at the opening, Jemma thanked the Red Cross of Constantine for the significant donation from the Grand Sovereign’s Care for Children’ Fund which had contributed to the setting up of the new premises and the support they had received from other organisations.
Present at the opening were the Deputy Intendant-General, V. Ill. Kt. Ray Wade, and Ill. Kt. Andy Pascoe.
(Note: the charity was set up following the death of Jemma's sister, Jennie Akers, who sadly died in 2009 after a short battle with cancer at the age of 25. She was diagnosed when she was pregnant with her 3rd child. On the day she died she had three young children, Taya aged 6 months, George aged 2 years and Ella aged 5 years).
RCC 2026 Church Service - Liverpool 18 April 2026
As you are no doubt fully aware the booking for the 2026 Church Service at Liverpool Cathedral is now open! This promises to be a truly memorable occasion, and we don’t want anyone to miss out. Can you please continue to give this a push in your Division and encourage as many as possible to book in and attend and secure their place and join us for this special occasion .
The 2026 Church Service is a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our shared traditions, and be part of a meaningful and historic gathering. It’s a highlight of the year that offers both inspiration and connection, making it an event you and they won’t want to miss.
You can find the booking details via the two links below
If you have any queries, please reach out to us via email at M.CasemanJones@mmh.org.uk or communications@mmh.org.uk.
You can also download a PDF of the event details here: Church_Service_Event_Details.pdf















On Thursday 11 December the Intendant-General for Lincolnshire, Steve Roberts accompanied by two of his Senior Divisional Knights, Jonathan Lee and Iain Wilson presented a cheque for £2500 to Children’s Links on behalf of the Grand Sovereign’s Care for Children fund.
Lincolnshire Red Cross of Constantine made an application to the Grand Sovereign’s Care for Children fund for this Lincolnshire based charity that works throughout the East Midlands with children, families and communities to change children’s lives for the better. One of their locations they do this is at their Toy Library in Lincoln, which provides a safe, welcoming and friendly space for families with young children, 1+ years and upwards to attend and play. The aim is to be fully inclusive and accessible to all, with staff selected and trained to support families to access the full range of services provided by the charity and to provide specialist apparatus such as electric changing tables, hoist and sensory equipment. They also provide a toy lending service, which helps with sustainability and enables lower income families and single parents to access more expensive toys. Their friendly atmosphere helps support mental health, empowering children and families to reach their potential, build confidence and resilience and to provide a listening ear.

Pictured above from left to right are Amanda Anthony Centre Manager, Jonathan Lee Junior General, Steve Roberts Intendant-General, Iain Wilson Assistant Recorder, and Rachel Aylmer Chief Executive.

Also pictured is the Intendant-General testing out the play area.
Mike Allen - Divisional Recorder