Development of disadvantaged children in Tower Hamlets supported by London Freemasons’ grant to Half Moon charity

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 100 families will benefit from Half Moon’s Creative Play programme providing essential drama and movement-based outreach sessions for disadvantaged children aged 0-5, and their parents and carers, in Tower Hamlets, thanks to a generous £40,000 grant from London Freemasons.

Tower Hamlets currently faces significant challenges, with the End Child Poverty Campaign highlighting it as having London's highest rate of child poverty at 47.5 per cent. Local schools have identified a critical need for interventions addressing behavioural issues, physical health, social skills, communication challenges, and general school readiness among young children.

Creative Play addresses these challenges directly, offering a 10-week series of workshops to support children with their active play delivered in collaboration with children's centres and nurseries. Sessions use imaginative play to encourage communication, socialisation, and developmental milestones through activities easily replicated at home. An example includes an imaginative journey through a magical forest, meeting animals, climbing spider webs, discovering magic castles, and dancing with butterflies.

The sessions are delivered by experienced facilitators and an Access Worker, supported by Half Moon's Creative Learning team, ensuring personalised attention and appropriate referrals to Early Help hubs for families needing further support.

Previous Half Moon projects using similar methodologies show promising results: 70 per cent of participating children demonstrated significant improvementin social engagement, and by the end of the programme, 100 per cent of families reported increased social interaction, substantially reducing isolation.

For Creative Play, Half Moon aim to see improved social, emotional, and behavioural development in at least 65 per cent of participants, enhanced family connections, and reductions in social isolation.

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

Androulla Constantinou, Head of Creative Learning at Half Moon, said,

“We’re incredibly grateful to London Freemasons for this support. Creative Play is more than just drama and movement; it’s a lifeline for families facing significant barriers. This programme helps ensure that all children, regardless of background, have the chance to thrive.”

Paul King from London Freemasons said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support Half Moon and the essential work they do; their Creative Play programme aligns with our mission to make a positive impact on disadvantaged children. We believe that our funding will help provide critical resources and support, fostering better health and development outcomes for these families.”