The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Provincial Welfare Team A Welcome from the Provincial Grand Almoner, WBro Paul Debenham It is an enormous honour for me to serve as Provincial Grand Almoner for The Province of Durham. It gives me the privilege of heading the Provincial Welfare Team, comprising of the Visiting Volunteers, Caring Volunteers, a Caring Committee and the Lodge Almoners. Each of these groups has a vitally important role to play in the effective provision of Masonic welfare and you, being a member of the Welfare Team, have an equally important role within that team. I am aware that the work involved can be time consuming, frustrating and sometimes upsetting but there is a reward in the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped a Brother or Companion and his dependants in their hour of need
To assist and support you in your duties, I am delighted to launch this new link providing the latest relevant news and information from United Grand Lodge and Province on matters of welfare. It will also give you access to a wide range of extensively researched information which will enable you to be better informed and prepared in your work. In addition, please make your Members aware of the resources too so they can benefit from them as well. As Provincial Grand Almoner I would like to take this opportunity to thank each individual within the Province who gives so generously of their time to improve the welfare of our Members and their families. I can always be contacted on almoner@durhamfreemasons.org Index of Useful Resources Masonic Resources The Lodge Almoner Care and Support Mental Health Loneliness Finance Staying Safe Bereavement Data Protection Information Sheet Almoner – Record Sheet for Members Almoner – Record Sheet for Widowed Partners Caring Volunteers - Record Sheet Visiting and Caring Volunteers
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Masonic Resources • New Almoner's Guide (2021) The new booklet that every Almoner should have.
• Managing a Contact List Top Tips on Record Keeping
• MCF Fact Sheets The MCF has a set of Fact sheets on life changing events. Here is a selection of them. Addiction
Dementia
Prostate cancer
Bereavement
Government Benefits
Respite care
Convalescent care
Loneliness
Redundancy
Data protection
Mental Health
Trauma & PTSD
Debt
Power of Attorney
• MCF Yellow Book (v4 2020) Information on the MCF for Freemasons and their families.
• MCF Leaflets A range of leaflets explaining the work that the MCF does. What do we do?
Can we help you?
Counselling for Adults
Who are we?
Make an impact
What’s your legacy?
Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
The Lodge Almoner
The Almoner’s role is a pastoral one and plays a vital part in the life of every Lodge and Province and in recent times this has been recognised and acknowledged by Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodges to be of great importance. With people now living longer, the work of the Almoner will continue to expand. As the “eyes and ears “of the Lodge, an Almoner should be a good “listener” and must be alert to the needs and problems of Freemasons and their families. He should keep in touch and maintain regular contact with sick or distressed Lodge members, widowed partners and families of recently deceased brethren as well as those who are not in regular attendance for whatever reason. He should also be familiar with and able to keep them informed of the Masonic help and support available to them. Record keeping and reporting are a key part of his role. The Secretary will hold the personal data of each member which, subject to the correct consent having been obtained, will be made available to the Almoner. The Almoner should maintain his copy of that record, including, if possible, the details of widowed partners and dependants of resigned or excluded brethren. He should also ensure the Secretary is updated with changes of which he becomes aware. Subject to consent having been given, the Almoner should report on those Brethren, their partners or families at a Lodge meeting. In addition, a good Almoner will make himself aware of happier events such as birthdays, births, and special wedding anniversaries so that the Lodge can send appropriate greetings. The jewel worn by the Lodge Almoner is a scrip purse on which is a heart.
Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Care and Support The following organisations are some of the many that can help us in times when we are in need of additional care and help. •
Caring for carers: Durham InfoPoint Gives expert advice, information and support to the unpaid carers, young and old, who provide care or support to a relative, neighbour or friend - 0300 005 1213
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Carers Trust: Improving support, service, and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring for a loved one - 0300 772 9600
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Age UK – County Durham Nationwide authority on issues related to ageing. Deals with the needs and aspirations of older people and provides advice for carers – 0191 3863856
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Independent Age Offers advice, befriending and campaigning to combat financial, social, and information poverty in older people – 0800 319 6789
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Alzheimer’s Society Improves quality of life for people affected by dementia. Information and support for dementia sufferers and their families – 0330 333 0804
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Local Dementia Action Alliance A group of people who have come together to create a dementia friendly community
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Greenlinks Offers a programme of outdoor activities for those living with Dementia (and carers) in Stockton - 01642 815663 Continued on next page
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
•
React Improves quality of life for children with life limiting illnesses, living in financially disadvantaged households throughout the UK - 020 8940 2575
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Parkinson’s UK Aims to find a cure and to improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s 0808 800 0303
•
SSAFA SSAFA provides welfare, health and support services, for the UK military's serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Durham SSAFA: 01913839452 or email: durham@ssafa.org.uk Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Mental Health The following organisations are some of the many that can help us when mental issues befall us.
•
The Masonic Charitable Foundation: Counselling Service A free confidential helpline for Freemasons and their family members, and operated by trained counsellors. Call 0800 035 60 90
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The Silverline The only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day and every day of the year – 0800 470 8090
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Samaritans If something is troubling you and you need to speak in confidence. Helpline 116 123
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Mind Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding – 0300 123 3393
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Rethink : The largest national voluntary sector provider of mental health services, spanning high care and long term care through to practical help and advice - 0300 5000 927
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Mental Health Foundation Helps people to thrive through understanding, protecting and sustaining their mental health - 020 7803 1100
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Combat Stress Provides UK wide support to veterans from every service and every conflict - 0800 1381619
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ASSIST trauma care Information and specialist help for people with PTSD and anyone supporting them – 0178 856 0800 Continued on next page
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Mental Health The following organisations are some of the many that can help us when mental issues befall us.
•
PTSD UK Campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of the condition and treatments available for those dealing with trauma – 01282 787 172
•
Anxiety UK Support, help and information for those with anxiety disorders including PTSD – 0844 477 5774
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Young Minds Leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges – 020 7089 5050 Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Loneliness
The following organisations are some of the many that can help us in times of loneliness when it is important we reach out for help. •
The Silverline The only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day and every day of the year – 0800 470 8090
•
Age UK Call in Time Free weekly friendship calls for the over 60s and/or Face to face befriending services
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Independent Age: Friendship Services Free phone calls and home visits for older people. 0800 319 6789
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UK Men’s sheds Association Men’s Sheds are befriending groups across the UK which help to reduce isolation and loneliness, benefiting men’s health and wellbeing. Men’s Sheds are kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. They’re about making friends, learning and sharing skills. Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Finance The following organisations are some of the many that can help us in times of financial pressure when we need help.
•
Make a lasting Power of Attorney A government website giving you the opportunity to write an LPA. There are 2 types of LPA; to cover the donor’s property and financial affairs or their health and welfare.
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Citizens Advice A network of independent charities that gives free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other problems - 03444 111 444
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National Debtline Provides free confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems. 0808 808 4000
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Money Advice Service An independent service, set up by the Government, which provides free and impartial advice to help people to manage their money - 0800 138 7777
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StepChange Offers advice and guidance on debt management. Freephone helpline 0800 138 1111
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Turn2Us Helps people access the money available to them through welfare benefits and grants. 0808 802 2000
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The Money Charity Empowers people across the UK to build the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, to make the most of their money throughout their lives - 020 7062 8933 Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Staying Safe
The following organisations are some of the many that can help us to stay safe. •
Telephone Preference Service Register your landline and mobile with the TPS to stop those unwanted sales and marketing calls from charities, voluntary organisations and political parties. It is free and quick.
•
Mail Preference Service The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) is a free service to prevent the receipt of unsolicited direct mailings sent from member companies of the Data & Marketing Association. It will not stop mail that has been sent from overseas, un-addressed material, mail addressed to The Occupier or from companies with whom you have done business in the past. If you wish these mailings to be stopped, you must notify these companies directly.
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Keeping Safe Tips on what precautions to take for your personal safety, to keep your home safe, to stay safe online and protect yourself from fraud.
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Get Safe Online Provides practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online.
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Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline Provides practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online. Helpline 0808 223 1133 Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Bereavement
Bereavement affects us all in many different ways and at different times. The following organisations are some of the many that can help us at such times. •
Provincial Chaplaincy Team Should anyone need a friendly voice, the Chaplaincy Team is always ready to listen, walk with and pray with you, as well as offers both practical and spiritual help. Email: chaplaincy@durhamfreemasons.org
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Good Funeral Guide An independent, not-for-profit organisation offering information about planning for a funeral.
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SAIF – Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors Provides funeral advice and guidance
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Tell us once A service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go – 0345 123 2304.
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Cruse Bereavement Care Offers support after the death of someone close – 0808 808 1677
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The Compassionate Friends Support for family and friends when a child dies, given by other bereaved parents 0345 123 2304
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Winston’s Wish Provides services to bereaved children, young people, and their families in the UK. 01242 515 157 Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Data Protection Information Sheet On becoming a Freemason your consent is requested by the Secretary in order to share your contact details with other members of the Lodge so Members can keep in touch with each other and, if necessary, provide support when needed. Within each Lodge there is an officer called “The Almoner”. The Almoner’s role is a pastoral one and it plays a vital part in the life of every Lodge and Province and has been recognised and acknowledged by Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodges to be of great importance. The Almoner will keep in touch and maintain regular contact with sick or distressed Lodge members, widowed partners and families of recently deceased brethren, as well as those who are not in regular attendance for whatever reason. He will also be familiar with and able to keep them informed of the Masonic help and support available to them. That support goes beyond the member and can extend to his partner and children and can continue even after a Member passes to the Grand Lodge above. To enable this to happen, consent must be given for that personal information to be so used under the Data Protection Act 2018. Consent needs to be given not just from the member but also where applicable, his partner and that consent must be in writing. Hence the need for the Almoner’s and Secretary’s Record Sheet but solely for their use in respect of the work they do as Secretary and Almoner. Will you, and if applicable your partner, please provide the information requested on the attached sheet and confirm your consent by both signing the Record Sheet and returning it to the Lodge Secretary and Almoner. Your details can be deleted or changed at any time by writing to the Lodge Secretary and Almoner as long as you understand that the same Masonic support will not necessarily be available to you, your partner or family. Consent to your personal information being held by the Lodge Almoner and Lodge Secretary will also allow information about your and your partner’s welfare, if your partner has consented, but excluding your children or grandchildren, being reported to Lodge members as and when the occasion is appropriate. The request for additional information such as birth dates, marriage, or civil partnership dates etc can be helpful. However, you do not have to provide the information and can leave any part or parts blank if you wish. Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL LODGE NAME: _____________________________________ BROTHER’S DETAILS
NUMBER: __________
PARTNER’S DETAILS
Full Name
Full Name
Date of Birth
Date of Birth
Address
Address (if different)
Postcode
Postcode
Telephone no
Telephone no
Mobile no
Mobile no
Occupation Date of marriage or civil partnership (if applicable)
DEPENDANTS DETAILS
Date of Initiation
Names
DOB
Date joined the Lodge Mother Lodge Membership of other Lodges
We, being the Brother and, if applicable, partner, referred to above, consent to the above data being held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 by the Lodge Secretary and for use by the Lodge Almoner in accordance with the purposes that 1/we confirm have been given to us. Signature of Brother
Date
Signature of Partner
Date Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL LODGE NAME: __________________________________________
NUMBER: __________
WIDOWED PARTNER’S DETAILS Full Name Title
Date of Birth
Address Postcode Email address
Phone no.
Deceased Partner’s Name
Mother Lodge, if appropriate
Emergency Contact Name
Emergency Contact Relationship
Emergency Contact Email
Emergency Contact Phone no.
LODGE ALMONER’S DETAILS Name (in print)
Contact details
To be completed by the Widowed Partner I would like to receive free copies of the Better Lives magazine and other Masonic communications.
YES/NO
I give my consent for my personal details to be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 by the Lodge Secretary and for use by the Lodge Almoner with respect to the work he does, the details of which have been explained to me. I understand that my details can be deleted if I request it, by writing to the Lodge Almoner at ______________________________________________________________________________________ or by email at ___________________________________________ (delete if not appropriate) Signature of Widowed Partner
Date
Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL LODGE NAME: __________________________________________
NUMBER: __________
WIDOWED PARTNER’S DETAILS Full Name Title
Date of Birth
Address Postcode Email address
Phone no.
Deceased Partner’s Name
Mother Lodge, if appropriate
Emergency Contact Name
Emergency Contact Relationship
Emergency Contact Email
Emergency Contact Phone no.
CARING VOLUNTEER’S DETAILS Name (in print)
Contact details
To be completed by the Widowed Partner I would like to receive free copies of the Better Lives magazine and other Masonic communications.
YES/NO
I give my consent for my personal details to be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 by the Provincial Grand Almoner and for use by the Caring Volunteer with respect to the work he does, the details of which have been explained to me. I understand that my details can be deleted if I request it, by writing to the Provincial Grand Almoner at Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, 8 The Esplanade, SUNDERLAND SR2 7BH or by email at almoner@durhamfreemasons.org Signature of Widowed Partner
Date
Go to Index
The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
Visiting and Caring Volunteers
The Visiting Volunteers The Province of Durham has 12 Visiting Volunteers (VV’s) who are vetted and trained by the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF). These volunteers are commissioned by the MCF or Province to help Freemasons and their families complete an application for an MCF grant. They are integral to the application process because applications can only be accepted if they have been completed during a visit by either a registered Visiting Volunteer or a member of the Advice and Support Team (AST).
The Caring Volunteers The Province of Durham has 25 Caring Volunteers (CV’s). Their role is pastoral: to make regular contact with and visits to the widowed partners unattached to any Lodges, highlight the Masonic help and support available through the MCF or other Masonic Charities, keep them informed of the Group Breaks and Masonic Homes as well as send each a Masonic Christmas card and cheque. Personal contact is important especially when people become older and often less mobile, more isolated and lonely. The Caring Volunteers will inform Province if they consider visits need to be made for any applications to MCF.
The Caring Committee The Caring Committee consists of : Paul Debenham, Chairman Anthony Raine, Treasurer Ron Black, Pastoral Lead The main role of the Caring Committee is to oversee the care of the widowed partners in the Province whose partners belonged to Lodges which have now closed and the role of the Caring Volunteers. Go to Index