Welfare of members and their families

– we care –

The welfare of our members and their dependents is deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry. Building from the bottom upwards, through its Lodges, the organisation provides a support structure designed to underpin this principle.

Critical to the success of this principle are the Lodge Almoners, who provide the link between their members with Provincial Almoner and the various support organisations and services available to them in time of need.

These support organisations and services are many and varied. Whilst we anticipate that Lodge Almoners will have a knowledge of many aspects of this, these pages are also invaluable to all members of the Province, to enable them to acquaint themselves, and most importantly, their families and dependents, with services available to them, should the need arise.

The message, from all the team working within the Almoner community is simple… “We Care”

Masonic

Anti-Bullying Policy »

Bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. This Policy explains the Provincial process in dealing with such occasions.

Masonic Charitable Foundation »

Funded entirely by Freemasons, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) builds better lives by encouraging opportunity, promoting independence and improving wellbeing.

Masonic Charitable Trust »

The ‘Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Masonic Charitable Trust’ (MCT) is the Province’s own charity, being funded from investments and supported by donations from Lodges.

Almomer’s Handbook »

This guide has been prepared by UGLE with support from the MCF to assist Metropolitan, Provincial and Lodge Almoners to undertake their important roles. It highlights the key issues which have been known to arise and signposts the reader to tips and advice as well as additional resources where more detailed information is explored on a particular topic.

We Care is the ethos of the Provincial Almoners Team and it was therefore felt appropriate that this heading should be used for communications emanating from the office. It symbolises how we all feel about supporting our Brethren, their families and the wider community. The notes are issued to give guidance or information relating to the work that we undertake.

Mental Health Seminar »

One side-effect of the Covid pandemic was the impact it had on people’s mental health. To bring the issue into the open, raise awareness and hear what steps could be taken to alleviate the problem and prevent it, a seminar was organised by Provincial Grand Almoner.

Holiday Scheme »

The Bournemouth Masonic Holiday has for over 40 years been funded and supported by the
Masonic Charitable Trust (MCT) for deserving brethren, their partners or widows, from within
our own Province.

Amity Group »

There are currently 11 Amity groups spread across the Province. These groups were set up to promote fellowship and companionship among Lodge widows, retired or semi-retired brethren and their partners.

Fact Sheets

Information to help you with your difficulties can found in the fact sheets below:

Local Authorities

The following are the Local Authorities, which provide welfare services for both adults and children, in the area of the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and links to their websites.

Neighbouring Authorities are included, as some Hampshire Masons and their families reside in those areas.

Hampshire County Council – www.hants.gov.uk

Isle of Wight Council – www.iow.gov.uk

Southampton City Council – www.southampton.gov.uk

Portsmouth City Council – www.portsmouth.gov.uk

West Sussex County Council – www.westsussex.gov.uk

Surrey County Council – www.surreycc.gov.uk

Dorset County Council – www.dorset.gov.uk

B.C.P Council – www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk

In the case of Royal Berkshire there are 6 Unitary Authorities. Those that which border Hampshire are;

West Berkshire – www.westberks.gov.uk

Wokingham – www.wokingham.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest – www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Non Masonic Resources

Bereavement
Age UK

Tackling issues relating to aging

ageuk.org.uk or telephone 0800 169 2081

Independent Age

Combatting financial, social and information poverty

independentage.org.uk or telephone 0800 319 6789

Challenging Behaviour Foundation

Supporting families, adults or children, with severe learning disabilities or challenging behaviour

challengingbehaviour.org.uk or telephone 01634 838739

Carers Trust

Support for anyone living with the challenges of caring for a loved one

carers.org or telephone 0300 772 9600

Carers UK

Gives expert advice , information and support to carers

carersuk.org or telephone 0808 808 7777

Home Instead

Support to be able to stay in own home by provision of live in carers

homeinstead.co.uk or telephone 0808 503 5197

Right at Home

Care, support or company at home

rightathomeuk.co.uk or telephone 0151 305 0770

Financial
StepChange

Advice and guidance on debt management

stepchange.org or telephone 0800 138 1111

National Debtline

Confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems

nationaldebtline.org or telephone 0808 808 4000

Turn2Us

Advice on accessing available welfare benefits and grants

turn2us.org.uk or telephone 0808 802 2000

Money Advice Service

Provides free and impartial advice to help people manage their money

moneyadviceservice.org.uk or telephone 0800 138 7777

The Money Charity

Helps people make the most of their money by developing their skills

themoneycharity.org.uk or telephone 030 7062 8933

General
SSAFA

Support for servicemen, veterans and their families

ssafa.org.uk or telephone 0800 260 6767

Red Cross

Supporting a crisis with kindness

redcross.org.uk or telephone 0344 871 1111

Health and Wellbeing
Samaritans

A confidential telephone counselling service for those with facing a crisis

samaritans.org or telephone 116 123

Rethink

Mental health services spanning long term care through to practical help and advice

rethink.org or telephone 0300 5000 927

Alzheimer’s Society

Improving the quality of life for those affected by Dementia

alzheimers.org.uk or telephone 0330 333 0804

React

Support for children with life limiting illnesses

reactcharity.org or telephone 020 8940 2575

Scope

Information and advice for people with Cerebral Palsy and their carers

scope.org.uk or telephone 0808 800 3333

Parkinson’s UK

Improvement of life for those affected by Parkinson’s disease and attempt to find a cure

parkinsons.org.uk or telephone 0808800 0303

Housing
Elderly Accommodation Counsel

Helps older people make informed decisions about their housing and care needs

eac.org.uk or telephone 0800 377 7070

Shelter 

Provides free professional and independent advice to homeless and badly housed people

shelter.org.uk or telephone 0808 800 4444

Crisis

The national charity for homeless people

crisis.org.uk or telephone 0300 636 1967

The Housing Ombudsman

A free independent organization to resolve housing disputes regarding rented properties

housing-ombudsman.org.uk or telephone 0300 111 3000

Disclaimer

It must be understood that the information provided on these pages is in no way to be considered a recommendation of any service or service provider. The reader is strongly urged to enquire with due diligence as to the suitability of care and or service being offered. Neither the MCF, the Province of Hampshire and IOW Freemasons or the United Grand Lodge of England accepts any liability for services provided by any of the named agencies contained herein.