Building on our mission statement: The Metropolitan Grand Almoner and his team are delighted to bring to all members the Wellman-Connected Programme.
Offering a wide range of support, care and services to our members and their families as they navigate through life’s challenges offering improved communication and dedicated support.
Over many years the Metropolitan Almoner team have demonstrated ingenuity in identifying the agencies which can support our members in times of distress. However, despite our best efforts not all members are aware of the support available or how they can easily access them. Our guiding principle is to connect the Mason back to his health, his wellbeing and his Masonic community by enhanced signposting to services available.
The Almoners team have built up a vast database of knowledge and going forward that will be vested in a team of role holders, who will constantly scan the horizon for new opportunities to support our members, with the program developing over time. In particular to help support more complex situations.
We are committed to enhancing our communications through the Almoner channel, reinforced by direct communication to members. The Tea Room will not only be a drop in but be elevated to become our Masonic community hub.
The main areas of support are outlined below.
Mental Wellbeing
The impacts of mental wellbeing have drawn more focus since the pandemic, and the resources available via the Masonic Charitable Foundation website are vast and comprehensive. Mental Wellbeing by its very nature can at times prevent those from being able to access the support that is available. This may be related to the stigma associated with mental wellbeing and a lack of confidence in being able to approach a brother to talk to them about the topic.
Click here for more
Caring And Financial Hardship
Our objective is to signpost you to information/advice on caring and dealing with financial hardship.
Click here for more
Support From The Chaplains
Unlike unit chaplains whose role is purely to deliver parts of the ritual, the Metropolitan Grand Lodge team of chaplains are authorised minsters, both ordained and lay, in their faith communities. This team has direct links into their own faith support groups and services.
Click here for more
Cruse Bereavement Counselling
This is a valuable service for those suffering the loss of a loved one. Cruse helps people through one of the most painful times in life-with bereavement support and information. Cruse volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you're feeling right now.
You can call for free on 0808 808 1677.
Opening hours
Click here for more
Physical Wellbeing
The MCF provide extensive support for physical wellbeing, there is also support from UGLE and Met.
MCF grants can fund or part fund:
The program will actively support and promote UGLE and Met in terms of Blood donorship, PSA Tests. We are currently evaluating osteoporosis screening sessions and advanced Ophthalmology, that identifies underlying health conditions.
Click here for more
Zoom Tea Room
Since its inception in December 2020 the Zoom Tea Room has been a medium for Masons in Met. and around the world to engage in conversations, friendly banter and exchange of knowledge, in particular when attendance at regular meetings has not been possible, as was the case in the dark days of COVID. It can particularly benefit those who are no longer able to attend meetings, by keeping in touch with the Masonic community.
With the launch of Wellman Connected the ZoomTea Room will be developed into a community hub by continuing its current format of informal meetings and Almoner surgeries but further enhanced with presentations from the service providers in this program.
The Wellman Connected Programme will seek to enhance the role of the Tea Room and although its’s early days, new concepts are already being developed.
Click here for more
General Help
We recently distributed a list of useful contacts which is available by clicking on the link below.
Click here for more
Above all else remember as a Freemason, you are not alone, it is important to discuss your problem, financial or otherwise with the Almoner or one of the Metropolitan Grand Almoner’s Team. We are here to help and in an emergency call 07792 925071.
W.Bro Darrel Palmer PAGSwdB, PGStdB
Metropolitan Grand Almoner
Click here to download this information and more as a pdf file
Offering a wide range of support, care and services to our members and their families as they navigate through life’s challenges offering improved communication and dedicated support.
Over many years the Metropolitan Almoner team have demonstrated ingenuity in identifying the agencies which can support our members in times of distress. However, despite our best efforts not all members are aware of the support available or how they can easily access them. Our guiding principle is to connect the Mason back to his health, his wellbeing and his Masonic community by enhanced signposting to services available.
The Almoners team have built up a vast database of knowledge and going forward that will be vested in a team of role holders, who will constantly scan the horizon for new opportunities to support our members, with the program developing over time. In particular to help support more complex situations.
We are committed to enhancing our communications through the Almoner channel, reinforced by direct communication to members. The Tea Room will not only be a drop in but be elevated to become our Masonic community hub.
The main areas of support are outlined below.
Mental Wellbeing
The impacts of mental wellbeing have drawn more focus since the pandemic, and the resources available via the Masonic Charitable Foundation website are vast and comprehensive. Mental Wellbeing by its very nature can at times prevent those from being able to access the support that is available. This may be related to the stigma associated with mental wellbeing and a lack of confidence in being able to approach a brother to talk to them about the topic.
Click here for more
Caring And Financial Hardship
Our objective is to signpost you to information/advice on caring and dealing with financial hardship.
Click here for more
Support From The Chaplains
Unlike unit chaplains whose role is purely to deliver parts of the ritual, the Metropolitan Grand Lodge team of chaplains are authorised minsters, both ordained and lay, in their faith communities. This team has direct links into their own faith support groups and services.
Click here for more
Cruse Bereavement Counselling
This is a valuable service for those suffering the loss of a loved one. Cruse helps people through one of the most painful times in life-with bereavement support and information. Cruse volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you're feeling right now.
You can call for free on 0808 808 1677.
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:30am-5:00pm
- Tuesday: 9:30am-8:00pm
- Wednesday: 9:30am-8:00pm
- Thursday: 9:30am-8:00pm
- Friday: 9:30am-5:00pm
- Saturday : 10:00am-2:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Click here for more
Physical Wellbeing
The MCF provide extensive support for physical wellbeing, there is also support from UGLE and Met.
MCF grants can fund or part fund:
- Initial consultations
- Investigative tests and scans
- Surgery
- Physiotherapy
- Manual therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy assessments
- Mobility equipment
- Home adaptations
- Motability vehicle support
- Dental work
- Mental health support
- Short breaks for carers
The program will actively support and promote UGLE and Met in terms of Blood donorship, PSA Tests. We are currently evaluating osteoporosis screening sessions and advanced Ophthalmology, that identifies underlying health conditions.
Click here for more
Zoom Tea Room
Since its inception in December 2020 the Zoom Tea Room has been a medium for Masons in Met. and around the world to engage in conversations, friendly banter and exchange of knowledge, in particular when attendance at regular meetings has not been possible, as was the case in the dark days of COVID. It can particularly benefit those who are no longer able to attend meetings, by keeping in touch with the Masonic community.
With the launch of Wellman Connected the ZoomTea Room will be developed into a community hub by continuing its current format of informal meetings and Almoner surgeries but further enhanced with presentations from the service providers in this program.
The Wellman Connected Programme will seek to enhance the role of the Tea Room and although its’s early days, new concepts are already being developed.
Click here for more
General Help
We recently distributed a list of useful contacts which is available by clicking on the link below.
Click here for more
Above all else remember as a Freemason, you are not alone, it is important to discuss your problem, financial or otherwise with the Almoner or one of the Metropolitan Grand Almoner’s Team. We are here to help and in an emergency call 07792 925071.
W.Bro Darrel Palmer PAGSwdB, PGStdB
Metropolitan Grand Almoner
Click here to download this information and more as a pdf file
