Essex Freemasons Earn Prestigious Dementia Community Accreditation
In a significant development for community health initiatives, the Essex Freemasons have been formally accredited as an Inclusive Dementia Community Group by Essex County Council in partnership with Alzheimer's Society Essex. This official recognition acknowledges the substantial and practical steps the organization has implemented to strengthen awareness, understanding, and tangible support for those living with dementia throughout the region.
Ceremonial Presentation at Howard Hall Masonic Centre
The prestigious accreditation was presented during a special ceremony held at the Howard Hall Masonic Centre in Braintree. Representatives from both Alzheimer's Society Essex and Essex County Council officiated the event, with the honor being received by Peter Hollingsworth, the deputy provincial grand master of Essex Freemasons.
In his acceptance remarks, Peter Hollingsworth expressed profound gratitude, stating: "We are deeply honored to accept this meaningful recognition and are sincerely grateful to both Alzheimer's Society UK and Essex County Council. Dementia impacts countless families across our communities, and we believe that even small, thoughtful changes can significantly help encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and ensure people feel genuinely better supported."
Comprehensive Community Engagement Programme
This accreditation reflects a broader body of work delivered through the Essex Freemasons' dedicated Community Engagement Programme. Across Essex, the organization has systematically updated all communications to utilize dementia-friendly fonts, enhancing accessibility for individuals with cognitive challenges. Furthermore, welfare teams now regularly incorporate Alzheimer's awareness into their protocols, fostering earlier conversations and promoting greater understanding among members and the wider public.
Partnership with Get Started Art Charity
The initiative also underscores the power of collaborative partnership working. Get Started Art, an Essex-based charity founded by Essex Freemason David Barton, was similarly recognized as an Inclusive Dementia Community Group. In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society, the charity developed a specialized coloring book specifically designed for individuals living with dementia.
Essex Freemasons sponsored the printing of 5,000 copies of this innovative resource, which are now being distributed to care homes and dementia community groups across Essex with support from local authorities. Following the successful Essex launch, the initiative has expanded nationally, with additional copies distributed through RMBI Care Co. to care homes throughout the United Kingdom.
Charitable Spirit and Personal Impact
The presentation evening was imbued with a charitable spirit, as members of the North Essex Masters Lodge generously donated £500 to Alzheimer's Society Essex. Working closely with Alzheimer's Society Essex, arrangements were made to welcome John and Sandra, a couple living with dementia, who attended the event to personally thank the Freemasons for their awareness-raising efforts.
Their presence served as a powerful and poignant reminder of the very real, human impact that increased awareness, deeper understanding, and practical support can provide to individuals and families navigating dementia.
Sustained Commitment to Meaningful Change
This formal recognition reflects a sustained and practical commitment to dementia awareness within the community. It demonstrates how strategic collaboration, thoughtful action, and dedicated partnership can deliver meaningful, tangible benefits for communities across Essex and beyond, setting a commendable example for other organizations to follow.
