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The London Freemasons’ Charity is delighted to have approved a £10,000 grant to the Clink Charity, to assist in their sterling efforts with young people aged 16-25. The grant is intended to enhance the Clink Charity’s newest project – the Clink Training Café, located in Lambeth.

The aims of the Café are admirable, providing learning opportunities for people who would otherwise be vulnerable to disadvantage and social marginalisation, potentially leading to trouble with the authorities. The Training Café is intended not just to provide education, but also to serve the more holistic purpose of promoting cohesion in the wider community.

Based in Herne Hill, the Café will provide a safe and supportive environment for the development of new skills; and consequently increase the employment prospects of its learners. The learning programmes are accredited by City and Guilds, so the project’s vocational remit leads to tangible, transferable, and documented opportunities which will give value to learners for life. The results speak for themselves: an 88% completion rate and an impressive 100% of students progressing to employment or further education. Thus far, 28,000 hours of training have resulted in 650 NVQs – quite an achievement, with a positive social impact.

Chief Executive Donna-Marie Edmonds says: “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.”

Paul King of London Freemasons adds: “By investing in young people at risk, we can help prevent future offending, strengthen communities, and give young Londoners the chance to thrive.”

The Freemasons, and Arena Magazine, wish the Clink Charity and its Café project all the best, and hope that they will keep us updated on this commendable enterprise.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
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 60 here.

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