Prioritisation of the mental wellbeing of Freemasons was emphasised at the beginning of the year, with RW Bro Warren Duke, MetGM, launching a campaign that will see a range of support and focus towards this important area.
For this edition of the Scrip Purse, we sit down with W Bro Lee Cannon, Network Lead for the Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors programme. Originally commissioned by the Metropolitan Grand Almoner, Darrel Palmer, this part of the campaign provides support to those whose role is to assist others. We explore the programme’s origins, its impact, and what the future holds.
Q: What inspired the creation of the Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, if you asked about someone who had mental health concerns, many would respond as if it were an issue for others, not themselves. However, that period forced many of us to reflect on our own wellbeing. The isolation, the disruption to daily life and the sense of loss – whether through bereavement or the inability to connect with others – affected us all. Within Freemasonry, our Almoners found themselves increasingly confronted with complex situations beyond their traditional responsibilities. Recognising this growing need, we established the Wellbeing Ambassadors – a network dedicated to providing structured peer support across London Freemasonry.
Q: How did you become involved in this initiative?
My background is in Policing, where I led one of the largest peer support networks within the Metropolitan Police, and more latterly for the Cabinet Office. The concept is simple but effective: training peers to support their colleagues in times of need. While professional help is available (including within Freemasonry), many individuals struggle to access it. That’s where peer networks like the Wellbeing Ambassadors come in. Having a trusted, familiar person to listen and guide you to the right support makes all the difference.
Q: How does the network operate within London Freemasonry?
Ambassadors come from a broad spectrum of London Freemasons, from seasoned Brethren to those who are new to the Craft. We currently have around 800 Ambassadors, each of whom has received foundation-level training, and that number is growing. This training equips them with essential knowledge on mental wellbeing, how to recognise when a Brother may need support, and how to direct them to appropriate professional services. Every Inspectorate has Ambassadors within its ranks, ensuring a structured, well-connected support system. In addition, Ambassadors themselves have access to resources and peer support within the network. 50% of all Lodges and Chapters now have at least one ambassador within their number.
Q: How has the initiative evolved recently?
The network has strengthened significantly thanks to Executive Sponsorship from Bro Duke and financial support from the London Freemasons Charity. Building on the foundation training, each Inspectorate now has dedicated, trained Mental Health First Aiders, who’ll be identifiable within Lodges. These individuals act as key points of contact, ensuring Brethren know where to turn for professional support if needed. The appetite for Brethren to develop their skills further in this area has been encouraging and some Lodges and Chapters are part-funding them in undertaking Mental Health First Aid training, which is also a fabulous step forward.
Q: What impact has the programme had so far?
The initiative has already delivered substantial benefits, not least by reinforcing the core values of Freemasonry – integrity, respect, friendship and service. Having an Ambassador within a Lodge provides an accessible, trusted point of contact for discussions around mental wellbeing. Many have shared how simply knowing there is someone available to listen has made a meaningful difference. Beyond emotional support, our Ambassadors also experience personal development through their role. We’ve seen numerous cases where Brethren in crisis have reached out, and thanks to the network, they were swiftly connected with the right assistance.
Q: Does this conflict with the role of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)?
Not at all – quite the opposite. The MCF is a vital part of the resources Ambassadors have at their disposal. A key element of our training is to ensure Brethren are well-informed about the MCF’s services and how they can access them when needed.
Q: How effective is the training provided to Ambassadors?
The Foundation Training is a bespoke online course, designed specifically for Freemasons. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, participants report an average confidence score of 8.7 out of 10 in their ability to identify concerns and signpost Brethren to the appropriate support having undertaken the course.
Q: Who is eligible to become an Ambassador?
Currently any London Freemason is eligible to join the programme. This is the first initiative of its kind, designed to support a membership of over 27,000 brethren. Of course, this has sparked great interest more widely and there will be the opportunity moving forward to see how this initiative can be adapted to other Provinces who are keen to participate.
Q: How can people get involved or find further information?
Website www.theknowledgewell.co.uk/ambassadors
Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/wellbeingambassadors/
Email metgl.ambassador@gmail.com
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 59 here.
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