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”
Funded entirely by Freemasons, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) builds better lives by encouraging opportunity, promoting independence and improving wellbeing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information to help you with your difficulties can found in the fact sheets below:
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
Tackling issues relating to aging
ageuk.org.uk or telephone 0800 169 2081
Combatting financial, social and information poverty
independentage.org.uk or telephone 0800 319 6789
Supporting families, adults or children, with severe learning disabilities or challenging behaviour
challengingbehaviour.org.uk or telephone 01634 838739
Support for anyone living with the challenges of caring for a loved one
carers.org or telephone 0300 772 9600
Gives expert advice , information and support to carers
carersuk.org or telephone 0808 808 7777
Support to be able to stay in own home by provision of live in carers
homeinstead.co.uk or telephone 0808 503 5197
Care, support or company at home
rightathomeuk.co.uk or telephone 0151 305 0770
Advice and guidance on debt management
stepchange.org or telephone 0800 138 1111
Confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems
nationaldebtline.org or telephone 0808 808 4000
Advice on accessing available welfare benefits and grants
turn2us.org.uk or telephone 0808 802 2000
Provides free and impartial advice to help people manage their money
moneyadviceservice.org.uk or telephone 0800 138 7777
Helps people make the most of their money by developing their skills
themoneycharity.org.uk or telephone 030 7062 8933
Support for servicemen, veterans and their families
ssafa.org.uk or telephone 0800 260 6767
Supporting a crisis with kindness
redcross.org.uk or telephone 0344 871 1111
A confidential telephone counselling service for those with facing a crisis
samaritans.org or telephone 116 123
Mental health services spanning long term care through to practical help and advice
rethink.org or telephone 0300 5000 927
Improving the quality of life for those affected by Dementia
alzheimers.org.uk or telephone 0330 333 0804
Support for children with life limiting illnesses
reactcharity.org or telephone 020 8940 2575
Information and advice for people with Cerebral Palsy and their carers
scope.org.uk or telephone 0808 800 3333
Improvement of life for those affected by Parkinson’s disease and attempt to find a cure
parkinsons.org.uk or telephone 0808800 0303
Helps older people make informed decisions about their housing and care needs
eac.org.uk or telephone 0800 377 7070
Provides free professional and independent advice to homeless and badly housed people
shelter.org.uk or telephone 0808 800 4444
The national charity for homeless people
crisis.org.uk or telephone 0300 636 1967
A free independent organization to resolve housing disputes regarding rented properties
housing-ombudsman.org.uk or telephone 0300 111 3000
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.
