Freemasons across England and Wales are raising awareness and provide practical support for sufferers and carers in their communities as part of Dementia Action Week from 13th to 19th May 2024.
The United Grand Lodge of England, in collaboration with the Masonic Charitable Foundation, has united forces to lend support to the annual campaign aimed at those grappling with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and will be donating a total of 20,000 Art Therapy Books to over 150 hospital wards, dementia charities, and support groups throughout England and Wales.
Dementia, arising from various diseases and injuries impacting the brain, ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally, and in the UK, one in 14 individuals aged over 65 are living with dementia. While no cure exists, specialised therapy techniques can assist in managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life.
The 20,000 Art Therapy Books donated by Freemasons aim to aid individuals dealing with attention issues and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and apathy. Art therapy, an evidence-based therapeutic approach involving creative activities, has demonstrated notable benefits including memory stimulation, mood enhancement, and improved communication skills.
Driving this compassionate initiative is David Barton, an Essex Freemason, who established ‘Get Started Art’ in 2023. Danielle Neligan of East Kent Hospitals Charity expressed gratitude, stating, “Thanks to the generous donation of art therapy books from ‘Get Started Art,’ we’ve been able to support teams across our hospitals in significantly improving the experiences of patients, particularly those living with dementia.” David Martin of Westgate Healthcare echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We deeply appreciate this thoughtful donation of art books. These books will not only serve as sources of inspiration and enjoyment but also as tools for therapeutic expression and social interaction for our elderly community members.”
Over the past year, with unwavering support from Freemasons and lodges across England and Wales, ‘Get Started Art’ has already distributed 80,000 colouring books to numerous charities, including Mencap, Scope, Mind, Alzheimer’s UK, Age UK, and 15 NHS Trusts, including prestigious institutions such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and St Bartholomew’s Hospital. David expressed his gratitude, stating, “It has been quite humbling, but with the nationwide support of Freemasons, ‘Get Started Art’ remains committed to extending assistance to those in need and, through our donations, alleviating some of the anxiety associated with these conditions.”
