London Freemasons fund vital support for young people living with spinal cord injury

Parachute
Regiment
Lodge
9315

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals…

The lodge has held several social events such as witnessing the Tower of London Keys ceremony a lady’s festival at a hotel usually outside of London that provides opportunity for our families to enjoy the company that these types of events provide. Importantly we maintain links with the regiment and serving soldiers.

EVENTS

Delve into the rich traditions of Freemasonry as we gather to celebrate our shared values and principles

WHERE WE MEET

Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of March, June, September and December, at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. they usually start at 11am thus providing members ample time to travel to London to join the meetings. The June meeting is the installation meeting.

ABOUT

The Parachute Regiment Lodge was consecrated on 5th June 1989. Though named for our Regiment the decision was taken not to restrict membership to serving or former members, though the majority do fit that criteria. Our membership is drawn from a wide range of military, security and civilian backgrounds who all adopt our ethos, to be the best in all that we do…

ARENA

Engage in enlightening discussions, partake in meaningful rituals, and forge lasting connections with fellow brethren

More than 500 children and young people with spinal cord injury, and their families, will now receive life-changing specialist support thanks to a £60,000 grant over three years, awarded to the Back Up Trust by London Freemasons.

Every year, more than 200 children and young people under 18 in the UK sustain a spinal cord injury. Whether through a sudden accident, illness, or medical condition, the impact is profound, affecting every aspect of daily life. Spinal cord injury can lead to long-term challenges including loss of mobility, chronic pain, breathing issues, and poorer mental health and wellbeing. The journey through rehabilitation, education, and young adulthood can be isolating, confusing and often exclusionary without the right support.

This three-year grant will enable Back Up to grow its specialist Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service, reaching more children, young people and their families at every stage of their journey, including through education. The service empowers young people from early years to 25 to live fulfilling lives.

The funding will support personalised and holistic information advice and guidance for children and young people with spinal cord injury, including through tailored support plans. It will deliver specialist education inclusion support, including advice for families and professionals, support with education, health and care plans, direct advocacy in schools, and wellbeing support. Live assemblies and peer-led talks will be provided by Back Up’s trained Education Advocate volunteers. Toolkits and resources for education professionals will also be available, supporting long-term inclusion and accessibility in learning environments.

Over the three years of the project, around 500 children, young people and family members will benefit directly from the service — with many more reached through networks, schools and awareness-building initiatives.

The grant from London Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up said:

“We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant which will make a meaningful difference to hundreds of families navigating the life-altering impact of spinal cord injury. Our goal is for every child and young person with a spinal cord injury to feel supported, understood, and empowered to lead the life they want to live. Thanks to the Freemasons this will be possible for more children and young people.”

Paul King from London Freemasons, said:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Back Up with their hugely important programme for children who have sustained a spinal cord injury. The advice and guidance they provide gives these young people the best possible chance to lead fulfilling lives.”