Essex Freemasonry recognised for leadership in Dementia Awareness
Recognised by Alzheimer’s Society UK for strengthening dementia awareness, understanding and support across Essex
Essex Freemasons have been formally recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society UK as an Inclusive Dementia Community Group, acknowledging the practical and sustained steps taken across the Province to strengthen awareness, understanding, and support for those living with dementia.
The accreditation was presented by representatives of Alzheimer’s Society Essex and Essex County Council on Monday 23rd February at North Essex Masters Lodge No. 9831, held at Howard Hall Masonic Centre, Braintree. The award was received by Peter Hollingsworth, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, together with members of the Executive Board.
Peter Hollingsworth commented:
“We are honoured to accept this accreditation and are sincerely grateful to the Alzheimer’s Society UK and Essex County Council for recognising our efforts. This acknowledgement reflects the practical steps Essex Freemasons have taken to promote dementia awareness, strengthen support for members and communities, and reduce isolation.”
Melanie Williamson, Integrated Dementia Commissioner, Essex County Council, also commented:
“Through your everyday actions, your charity work, and your support for one another, you have demonstrated your commitment to building that kind of community across Essex. Your achievement today reflects the very best of those values. By becoming an Inclusive Dementia Community, you have demonstrated that a diagnosis should never be a barrier.
On behalf of people living with dementia, their families, and all those whose work is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their families in Essex, my congratulations and thanks to the Essex Freemasons for your leadership, compassion and commitment. The difference you are making is real and to be celebrated.”
This recognition reflects a deliberate and structured programme of work undertaken as part of the wider Essex Community Engagement Strategy, with Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Elliott Chevin and Provincial Community Engagement Lead, David Barton, working together to develop an approach designed to support both member welfare and broader community understanding.
Across Essex Freemasonry, this has included a series of thoughtful but meaningful adjustments to communications and welfare activity. Newsletter formats have been updated using dementia-friendly fonts to improve legibility, whilst almoners’ reports now regularly reference Alzheimer’s awareness. These measures help reduce stigma, encourage earlier conversations, and ensure support can be offered at the right time, reinforcing part of the Province’s Community Engagement Strategy centred on awareness, inclusion, and practical support.
This wider approach also reflects the value of partnership and collaboration. Get Started Art, an Essex-based charity founded by David Barton and supported by Freemasons in Essex and across the UK, was likewise recognised as an Inclusive Dementia Community Group.
Working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society UK, Get Started Art developed a colouring book specifically designed for individuals living with dementia. The publication was shaped by lived experience and created with accessibility at its core.
Every aspect of the design was carefully considered, from bold, uncluttered imagery and clear colour contrasts to accessible, legible fonts. The opening page features a specially developed illustration based on artwork created by Maria, a person living with dementia, incorporating the Alzheimer’s Society forget-me-not symbol and placing lived experience at the heart of the book.
To mark the joint recognition, Essex Freemasons sponsored the printing of 5,000 copies of the colouring book. These are being distributed to care homes and dementia community groups across Essex, with support from Essex County Council and other local authorities. The back cover displays the Essex Provincial Crest alongside the logos of Get Started Art, Essex County Council and the Alzheimer’s Society UK, reflecting a clear civic partnership and shared purpose.
Following the success of the Essex launch, the initiative has expanded nationally. Essex Freemasons VW Bro Chris Caine, Grand Vice President of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) together with David Barton, worked with RMBI Care Company to print and donate hundreds of additional copies, which have now been distributed to every RMBI care home across the UK.
Maricel Foronda, Marketing Manager at RMBI Care Co., said:
“Our residents thoroughly enjoyed the art therapy books from Get Started Art during Dementia Action Week last year, so we were delighted when we were asked if we would like to receive the new books. Many of our residents enjoy colouring and it has so many benefits, from promoting mindfulness to relaxation and reducing anxiety, particularly for residents living with dementia.”
In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, members of North Essex Masters Lodge also made a charitable donation of £500 to Alzheimer’s Society Essex, recognising the vital work undertaken across the county to support individuals and families affected by dementia.
Working closely with Alzheimer’s Society Essex, arrangements were also made to welcome John and Sandra, a couple living with dementia, who wished to share in the celebration and personally express their appreciation for the work undertaken by Essex Freemasons in raising awareness of such an important cause. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the very real impact that awareness, understanding, and practical support can provide.
This recognition reflects a sustained and practical commitment to dementia awareness, demonstrating how thoughtful adjustments, structured Provincial planning, partnership working, and consistent action can deliver meaningful and lasting impact for members, families, and communities across Essex and beyond.
Photos:
Top: Essex Freemasons awarded at the North Essex Masters Lodge meeting
Left: Get Started Art founder David Barton being awarded
Right – Left: Marina, inspiration for the Colouring Book - Right: Essex Masons, Council, Get Started Art and Dementia Group reps delivering GSA books in Loughton
Left: RMBI Care Homes residents enjoying the new colouring books
