London’s At-Risk Youth Served up Hospitality Training at The Clink Training Cafe

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

The Clink Training Café is the charity’s first dedicated hospitality training facility designed exclusively for young people aged 16–25 who could be at risk of entering the criminal justice system. It is an initiative intended to give students direction and purpose, whilst also strengthening community resilience in South London. The initiative has been supported by a £10,000 grant from the London Freemasons.

Based in Herne Hill, the café combines hands-on vocational training, accredited City & Guilds qualifications, and intensive personal development support, helping young people build skills, confidence, and pathways into long-term employment. The Clink Café is more than simply a place to learn new skills and gain qualifications, though. To the young people who step through the doors, it is a safe space with no fear of judgement. It is a community where they can connect with each other and take a step towards a meaningful future they can be proud of.

The café has already proven its impact. In its pilot cohort, learners achieved an 88% course completion rate, earning 28 City & Guilds NVQ qualifications, with 100% progressing into either employment with Clink
Events or further education.

The Clink Charity has more than 15 years’ experience in rehabilitation and training, running restaurants, gardens, and events across the UK prison estate. The Training Café marks a new chapter in the charity’s work, focusing on prevention by engaging vulnerable young people before they enter the justice system.

Donna-Marie Edmonds, Chief Executive of The Clink Charity, said:
“We are hugely grateful to London Freemasons for this generous grant. Their support allows us to continue transforming the lives of young people in Lambeth by equipping them with skills, confidence and hope for the future. This funding means we can reach some of the most vulnerable young people in our community, preventing them from entering the criminal justice system and instead setting them on a positive pathway.”

William Clayton, London Freemasons, said:
“We are proud to support The Clink Charity’s innovative Training Café in Herne Hill. By investing in young people at risk, we can help prevent future offending, strengthen communities, and give young Londoners the chance to thrive.”