Linking the generations in Tower Hamlets to reduce loneliness thanks to grant from Freemasons

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

People of all ages and from different cultural backgrounds in Tower Hamlets will continue to benefit from a scheme aimed at combating loneliness and improving intergenerational connections through art projects thanks to a generous grant from London Freemasons.

The £15,000 grant to Magic Me – the UK’s leading provider of intergenerational art projects – will help the charity to continue to provide regular intergenerational activities and link older people with children, teenagers and young adults to combat isolation and instil a sense of purpose. These activities include Cocktails in Care Homes, Arts and Ages, and women’s projects initiatives.

Tower Hamlets is one of the most deprived boroughs in London, and migration means that older and younger generations are often of different cultural backgrounds and rarely meet or report feeling uneasy when they do. Half of all older people in Tower Hamlets live in income deprivation, which impacts wellbeing and feelings of isolation.

Past participants in Magic Me’s initiatives have reported reduced feelings of loneliness, an increased sense of happiness, a positive impact on wellbeing, and feeling more connected to the local community. Children grew in confidence and improved their skills when communicating with older people and volunteers’ confidence in communicating with people with dementia also increased dramatically.

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.

Tham Huynh from Magic Me said:

“We are extremely grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant which will allow us to continue our vital work and reach more people in East London. The support we give to both older and younger people makes a real difference to the community, and this grant will have a huge impact in helping us bring the generations together.”

Tony Shields, Metropolitan Grand Lodge Charity Steward commented “Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone, so we’re proud to support Magic Me’s valuable work helping the community in Tower Hamlets. This is another example of Freemasons supporting the London community. This donation follows on from a £1,250,000 donation, of a £2.5 million funding pledge from London Freemasons to London Fire Brigade. The funding will provide London Fire Brigade with two extended height aerial vehicles.”