The grant enables Missing People to continue providing vital helpline support and work with young people to help remove barriers to accessing the support that they need and support funding for further promoting the charities services to let more children and young adults know that support exists. 

Young people in deprived areas, ethnically minoritised children, and children in care across London are at greater risk of going missing. Criminals target vulnerable children, coercing them to carry and sell drugs. Children as young as 12 who are running drugs for a gang leader, exploited by abusers who have bought them gifts, or offered to ‘protect’ them.” call the charity to get support in the hope of finding a way out.  This is vital in helping change the future for these children and young adults.

Jemma*, aged 14, from London, contacted Missing People by text message, saying she had run away and felt suicidal. Concerned for her safety, the charity helped Jemma explore her options and built up her trust until, with her consent, the charity got her to safety. Missing People continued to support Jemma throughout the process. (*Name changed for confidentiality).

Jo Youle OBE, Chief Executive of Missing People, said:

"We are incredibly thankful to London Freemasons for their generous support. This will make a significant difference in our ability to support young people in London. Going missing is a crisis. Together, we can bring hope and help to those in need.

Paul King from London Freemasons said:

“The work that Missing People do in supporting missing children and young persons living within our communities is important and we are pleased to be able to help the charity further fund the helpline support that they provide”.

Missing People is dedicated to supporting those missing, and those who miss them. The charity’s support for young people in need includes a Helpline, online chat, and advice and information.

Missing People is reliant on public and voluntary support. To find support, or to donate, visit www.missingpeople.org.uk.

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The grant of £4,210 from the London Freemasons will be used to deliver a new project entitled "Skills 4 Emotional Success", which will take place over 20 weeks starting in January 2025 and will include 40 disadvantaged young women aged 16-18. The participants will be divided into two groups (20 young people per group), and each group will attend a two- hour session between 4pm-6pm once a week.

"Skills 4 Emotional Success" is aimed to be a multi- strategy, bespoke approach which will combine emotional well-being activities, skill-building workshops, sports activities and a one-to-one mentoring support system. Being engaged with other local teens will enable these young women whose futures are looking so bleak, to create long-lasting relationships and look ahead positively with increased opportunities.

The young participants will play a significant role during all aspects of the planning, delivery and evaluation, enabling them to develop important life skills, leadership abilities and increase their aspirations.

Mrs Esther Spitzer, Tools for TeensTrustee and Project Co-ordinator, said:

“Many of our beneficiaries have been exhibiting increased signs of stress and anxiety caused by their family's financial hardship. I am really passionate about the launch of this new project, so generously funded by the London Freemasons which will provide these young women with much-needed mentoring support and life skills, giving them important tools to deal with any crisis they may face in the future.”

Paul King from the London Freemasons said:

“We love the work Tools for Teens do with kids in Hackney and Haringey. What better than giving teenagers the skills they need to become the fulfilled and valuable citizens of the future which our community needs.”

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Through the use of dance, music, rap, and drama, this production portrays the journey of two young cousins in search of the safest school possible. It tackles challenging issues in a manner that encourages conversation and discussion within a positive setting. The accompanying workshop complements the performance by promoting learning outcomes and fostering children's understanding of what constitutes a safe space.

Paul Morrall, Executive Director of Education Training and Outreach said:

“Chickenshed are going to use the £7,850 grant provided by London Freemasons to visit,  perform and educate children in schools from at risk areas and in at risk situations in ways to avoid exploitation, the early stages of potential gang recruitment, bullying and group/clique bullying alongside other barriers to their inclusion in school in general and secondary school in particular. The transition between primary and secondary school is often identified as one of the periods of difficulty, alienation and exploitation by gangs and/or abusers. Chickenshed's production and project was created and developed as a direct response to information from police, education and social services. We will use the project as a Safeguarding tool which meets the best education standards and which can be disseminated to wide target groups within organisations. We will reiterated to schools and young people from target groups to look for ways to communicate regularly with their Trusted Persons and Mentors particularly when they want to ask vital questions about Safeguarding, exploitation and the bullying that can lead to so many negative outcomes”

Paul King from the London Freemasons said:

“Creating safe environments, free of bullying and exploitation for children is vital to improving the communities that we all live and work within in London.  We are very proud to support the work that CHICKENSHED does and the results that they create for the community.”

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Go Live Theatre Projects is a London-based charity that uses the power of theatre to create inspiring experiences and unlock possibilities for young people. Go Live offers children and young people the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre through theatre trips, drama-based workshop courses and education outreach projects, where they may otherwise be unable to due to physical, social and financial barriers. The aim of Go Live Theatre Projects is to contribute towards happier, enriched childhoods and positive futures.

They help make London’s world-class theatre accessible to those who have fewer opportunities or need specialist access support. Go Live encourages and engages young people in the performing arts, both in and out of school, to help develop the skills and knowledge to support their education and future careers. They also give them the space to grow and build confidence through theatre-making and drama-based learning.

CEO of Go Live Theatre Projects, Sita McIntosh said:

“This key grant from The London Freemasons’ Charity allows Go Live Theatre Projects to continue the essential work bringing memorable experiences of live theatre to young people in and around London. Our Stage Seen theatre days offer an accessible and fun day out, and have become incredibly important to the children and their families who attend. This vital grant enables us to continue this core strand of our outreach work and transforms lives with the power of theatre.”

Paul King from the London Freemasons said:

“We’re delighted to support the Go Live Stage Seen initiative – giving children who are deaf or hard of hearing a wonderful theatre experience, particularly those who may not have been to the theatre before. We hope the experience will enrich their lives and future aspirations and interest in the arts.”

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The funding will ensure that children, young people, and their families have the tools they need to reach their academic and personal potential, along with the knowledge and confidence to thrive safely and successfully. It will help empower them to access essential services, seize new opportunities and navigate the digital world with confidence.

Power to Connect, along with distribution runs free Digital Skills courses and Digital Drop-ins across Wandsworth. These sessions, held in local libraries, Family Hubs, and community centres, are designed to increase digital confidence, improve digital literacy, and support participants' overall well-being.

Established to assist families struggling with homeschooling during the Covid-19 pandemic, Power to Connect, founded in 2020, is on a mission to combat digital poverty and support communities with limited access to technology and has since evolved into a vital resource, bridging the digital divide across the local area. Power to Connect has refurbished over 3,500 devices and partnered with more than 130 local organisations, including schools, refugee groups, food banks, and other community services that help identify individuals in need.

Power to Connect works to provide sustainable access to digital technology for individuals and families who are excluded from essential online resources. The charity operates through a circular economy model, collecting, repairing, refurbishing and reusing unwanted devices, such as laptops and smartphones, before returning them to the community.

Megan Barrett, CEO, Power to Connect said:

“At Power to Connect, we believe access to digital technology is a fundamental right, not a luxury. Connectivity is essential for education, employment, accessing vital services, and improving quality of life. We are incredibly grateful to London Freemasons for their generous support. Their contribution enables us to provide more families with devices and the skills to use them, helping to combat digital poverty and ensure no one is left behind in today’s increasingly online world.”

Paul King from London Freemasons said:

“In a world where access to data and digital services is typically taken for granted, the work that Power to Connect are doing to bring those services and tools to those within our communities that do not have access is vital and we know that the grant provided by London Freemasons will further support the charity to make a difference.”

For more information on Power to Connects services or to learn how to get involved, visit www.powertoconnect.co.uk  or follow them on social media @PWRtoconnect

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This was an official visit and coincided with a rare Initiation ceremony. The Worshipful Master, W Bro John Iszatt, vacated the chair so that W Bro Martin Hilstead could initiate his son, Mr Mikey Hilstead. Another family member acted as the Junior Deacon. The meeting was attended by 38 members and guests, making it a very special and memorable occasion.

A thoroughly enjoyable Festive Board was had by all, rounding off an extremely proud day for the Hilstead family and the Cannon Lodge.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 January 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

The post Son joins father at Cannon Lodge appeared first on Priory Lodge of Acton 1996.

Circle Collective's unique approach combines CV workshops, employability skills training, networking opportunities, and mental health and well-being workshops. Trainees gain valuable work experience on the shop floor, breaking the cycle of youth unemployment. Over 70% of participants move into employment, education, or training outcomes, generating significant social value.

Turly Humphreys, CEO & Founder of Circle Collective said:

"Circle Collective is more than just a charity; it's a community that believes in giving every young person the opportunity to work, our goal is to create lasting change by providing the tools and support needed for young people to build successful careers." .

Paul King from the London Freemasons said:

“We are proud to support Circle Collective in their drive to bring young adults into the workplace and the work that they are doing to drive social value within London communities”

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The need for programmes like Healthy Lifestyles is clear. People with a learning disability are seven times more likely to experience loneliness than the general population, with the pandemic worsening social isolation. Health inequalities are striking, with life expectancy averaging just 63 years for people with learning disabilities compared to 82 for men and 86 for women in the general population.

The Healthy Lifestyles programme addresses these challenges by developing community, building confidence, and improving health outcomes. The £10,000 grant from London Freemasons will enable the charity to expand its programme, reaching more individuals and offering additional opportunities to stay active and engaged.

Kara Lee, CEO at Bexley Mencap said: 

“We are thrilled to have the support of London Freemasons, which will help us reach even more people with learning disabilities.  This funding allows us to expand our programme, ensuring everyone has opportunities to be active, stay healthy, and do the things they enjoy.”

Paul King from London Freemasons said:

“We are proud to support Bexley Mencap with the expansion of their Healthy Lifestyles programme, helping them to fight health inequalities within the community.”

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The Companions were called to order and the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent accompanied by his Officers entered in procession. The Metropolitan Grand Chapter was opened, and all were seated and were welcomed by the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent; then some administrative matters were dealt with. After a report, a  Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies was admitted to the Temple. He announced that the Most Excellent Second Grand Principal was outside and demanded admission, this was acceded to and the Second Grand Principal, Most Excellent Companion Sir David Wooton, accompanied by a retinue of Grand Officers, entered. After being offered and declining the Sceptre, the Second Grand Principal took his place in the Chapter.

After dealing with matters which required the Metropolitan Grand Chapter being opened, it was ‘Called Off’ and those Masons not yet members of the Holy Royal Arch and families and friends of those to receive Metropolitan office together with the soon-to-be recipients of LGCR and SLGCR were admitted to the galleries. The investiture of those honoured then took place.

When the Investiture was completed, the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent addressed the gathering. He began by saying that it was wonderful that so many could be here to celebrate those who give so much to their own Chapters as well as to Metropolitan Grand Chapter and to the Royal Arch as a whole.

He said that he was delighted to welcome so many distinguished visitors from Supreme Grand Chapter, led by Sir David Wooton, as well as those from our neighbouring Provinces, but also our other guests, families and friends as well as Master Masons yet to join the Royal Arch.

After thanking the members of the Royal Arch Executive team, he singled out the Reverend Timothy L’Estrange, the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, who as well as running a busy London parish and having a young family combines this with his Masonic commitments.

Companion Duke went on to say that it had been his pleasurable task to invest those receiving London Grand Chapter Ranks as well as the active Metropolitan Grand Officers. He said that the Companions invested had earned their new collar jewel and apron for all their work in the Royal Arch and he gave them his personal thanks. For those receiving active office, he hoped that they would throw themselves into the role and enjoy their year, acting as enthusiastic and joyful ambassadors for the Holy Royal Arch. He pointed out that the Royal Arch is an integral part of ‘Pure Antient Masonry’ and that we are one team. “We are not either ‘Royal Arch Red’ or ‘Craft Blue’, but we are truly ‘Team Violet’. I personally – as do all Companions here – stress how important the Royal Arch is to our whole integrated system and so it can seem a bit odd not to take the next logical step.” He stressed that it was important that a Master Mason should not be pressurised into taking that step but do it when it was right for them. We should encourage them to make an informed choice; and there is support to be found with the Royal Arch awareness evenings, as well as the “Discover More” sessions being rolled out.

The Metropolitan Grand Superintendent went on to say that it is hugely encouraging that just over 45% of all Craft Masons in Metropolitan are subscribing members of Royal Arch. Another 38% are Craft Master Masons whom we should be gently encouraging to consider completing their journey in ‘Pure Antient Masonry’. “Let us tell them how wonderful and uplifting it is so that they want to join rather than feel it is expected of them.” There are a further 17% of Master Masons who joined the Royal Arch but are now unattached; we are looking at ways to engage with them to find out why and offer options to re-engage their enthusiasm.

Under the guidance of E Comp John Parry, there has been an increase in Special Interest Chapters, an example being the Chapter for F1 fans which has had eight Exaltees in the last year. Other Chapters are bringing members of Met teams together to enhance their work; the newest being the Baltic Chapter for Almoners which has 42 members and has performed its first Exaltation. There are over 60 Special Interest Lodges and there is scope to expand this into Special Interest Chapters and to invite unattached Royal Arch Masons to become involved again.

Today, the 3^rd Metropolitan Grand Principal, Christopher Head, and three Inspectors retired; as did another Inspector during 2024. “I would like to thank Chris, Oliver Crispin, Robert Lakic, John Shulman and Russell Sollof for all their hard work”, said E Comp Warren. “Another retiree today is the Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies, E. Comp Guy Foster, who has given four distinguished years of service and I thank him also.”

The Metropolitan Grand Superintendent went on to thank all those who make events like today possible: The Metropolitan Grand Scribe E and his staff and volunteers, the Director of Ceremonies and his team as well as members of 9812, the Metropolitan Grand Stewards Lodge.

Having thanked all those who attended and saying he looked forward to meeting many of them either at the drinks reception or over dinner, the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, with the 2^nd Grand Principal, Metropolitan Officers and distinguished guests, retired in procession.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 April 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.

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The £13,000 grant from London Freemasons will allow the charity to provide much-needed counselling across London, removing the postcode lottery for women who have experienced domestic abuse. Women who have used our services reported a 70% reduction in suicidal thoughts and ideation after counselling. This money will help to save lives and rebuild futures.

Heidi Riedel, CEO of Woman’s Trust said:

"Woman's Trust is here to help any woman in London affected by domestic abuse. However, not all women who need it can access support near to them, because there isn't the capacity or funding for specialist mental health services where they live."

Paul King from the London Freemasons said:

"We are very pleased to be able to support Woman's Trust with the very important work that they do within our community to support victims of domestic abuse, knowing that our grant will help to remove the postcode lottery that may have prevented them getting the valuable help that they need."

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