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Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for you to access the right help. Suzanne is a grants officer within our Masonic Support team. She explains the application process she and the rest of the team have developed with your needs in mind.

The quality of life, health and happiness of Freemasons and their family members is at the heart of everything we do and our wide range of grants and practical support was established with this in mind.

It is also vitally important to us that applying for support is as easy as possible, and over the past 12 months we have worked hard to create an efficient, straightforward application process.

Whether you want to make an application or simply find out more about what’s involved, your first point of contact will be our knowledgeable enquiries team.

The whole experience has been designed to be straightforward from beginning to end, starting with a range of simple and free ways to get in touch. You can call us directly on our Freephone enquiry line 0800 035 60 90 or email us on help@mcf.org.uk and we will call you back.

Alternatively, you can speak to your lodge Almoner. It’s important to note that the entire process is confidential and your enquiry, application and any agreed support will not be discussed with your lodge Almoner if you would prefer to keep it private.

After reviewing your situation, your application will be passed to one of our Grants Officers.

They will help to check that your form is filled in correctly and all necessary documents are provided – this helps to ensure we can support you as quickly as possible.

Once we receive your application form, we will assess your personal circumstances. During this time, we aim to keep you updated so that you never have to wonder what’s happening or why we need certain information. If you do have any questions, any member of the team will endeavour to help you with your query or will refer you to a relevant member of staff.

Once we have fully assessed your case, you will receive a letter, email or phone call explaining the outcome, depending on your preferred method of communication.

Remember, even after you have received the help you need, you can always get in touch with us again if your situation changes. We are here to support you when you need us.

Advice & Support Team

Our Advice & Support Team provides a free, independent and confidential service for all Freemasons and their families. Members of the Team can visit you at home or speak to you over the phone to:

• Assist with applications for charitable support
• Talk to you about financial difficulties
• Recommend the best approach to meet your care needs
• Help you plan and access effective medical treatment
• Support your children with practical advice and guidance on education and wellbeing
• Direct you to state and local authority benefits and services available from other organisations

“I am one of 13 advisers working within local masonic communities throughout England and Wales. We offer advice and support, often at times of distress, to Freemasons and their families about the help available from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, as well as other organisations.” – Gill

Charlie and Irene

Charlie, a Freemason of 44 years, has undergone numerous operations in recent years following three heart attacks. His progressive lung condition causes breathlessness and he struggles to walk as a result. As Charlie’s health began to deteriorate, his wife Irene began to lose her sight as a consequence of diabetes. Unfortunately, the treatment Irene desperately needed was not available through the NHS in their local area. We provided a mobility scooter and stairlift for Charlie, and vital injections for Irene that have preserved her sight.

“After we applied for help from the MCF, someone visited our home to help us fill in the form. From that moment on we didn’t have to worry about anything. The process was simple and not at all intrusive, and we were kept fully informed with regular phone calls until the grants were approved.”