THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING “

We live in a very different world today one that has changed quickly over a short period of time and in order to continue to be effective in offering best support The Freemasons Charity needs to be flexible and aware of such changes.

People (both within the Craft and outside) are living in quite different circumstances, particularly in the current economic climate, many are suffering significant hardship.

For example, a job loss or an unexpected redundancy can cause enormous stress.

Many are on fixed incomes and suffering significant hardship brought about by lower interest rates reducing the return from their “retirement nest egg”.  Regrettably, in some cases these saving funds have been lost completely following bad investment decisions.

You will have heard it said in Lodge that for the Almoner to be effective in the execution of his duties all Brethren need to act as “Assistants to the Almoner”.

The Charity relies on you, a member of the Lodge, being aware of such things as:

• A Brother who was attending regularly and now is not attending – what’s changed?

Give him a ring, call round, and let the Almoner know.

• Someone is made redundant, perhaps for the first time, in which case he may not want to immediately access unemployment benefits and/or is too embarrassed to tell anyone what’s happened.

• We need to be mindful of our Widows as well, The Freemasons Charity is making positive moves in August in support of our Almoners to do just that.
• When you are living alone some so called “day to day” tasks can be really daunting.Perhaps she’s selling what was the family home, a huge task and an emotional one, just having someone to talk to is helpful.

It is a different world and there is much more that can be done to support those in need within our community other than handing them

an  Application for Assistance.

The Freemasons Charity remains committed to supporting such people but we believe there is also a need to “think outside the square”

Brethren – Carpe Diem !