LFC helps Young Women Build Better Futures in Neasden through Entrepreneurship

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

A London Freemason’s Charity grant of £10,000 has been given to the charity Launch It, to help young women in Neasden start their own businesses with a bespoke programme of training and support.

Launch It has run enterprise centres in economically challenged communities for over 23 years, encouraging over 11,500 young people in these areas to start and grow businesses. Providing affordable workspace, training, mentoring and other support opportunities for 18-30 year olds, they level the playing field, inspire hope and encourage underprivileged young entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses, enabling them to develop skills and have access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

The £10,000 grant from the London Freemason’s Charity will fund the Launch It Labs programme in Neasden, an immersive, sector-agnostic 12-week entrepreneurial programme focused on supporting young female founders facing multiple barriers to entry into business, such as scarce funding, inadequate support networks, mentorship gaps and other family-centric expectations.

The programme aims to create and develop long-lasting female-owned businesses with holistic support while building a women-powered community that fosters ideas exchange, learning and development.

Amber Wright, Launch It Out of London Development Director says: “We are excited to run our next Launch It Labs programme which focuses on supporting young female founders from underrepresented communities. The funding we received from London Freemasons will allow us to take our mission further; to empower these young women with important skills, mentoring and other opportunities to develop their business ideas and confidence, and have a good chance at thriving through entrepreneurship.”

Paul King of London Freemasons adds: “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to help fund the Launch It Labs programme in Neasden. Building on their work helping 11,500 young adults in economically challenged backgrounds, the new programme will focus on encouraging a new generation of women entrepreneurs.”

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 54 April 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 54 here.