Freemasons of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have come together to finance the Bournemouth based charity ‘Hope Housing Training and Support’ to build a counselling hub in the grounds of their HQ. The charity provides supported accommodation and training to individuals affected by homelessness, helping them to rebuild their lives.
The building provides a private space where those supported by the charity can receive one-to-one counselling and training, helping to empower them with their move forward into independent living and employment.
The full cost of the building was funded with equal grants of £1,875 from Dorset’s own Masonic charity, Dorset Masonic Care, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s own Masonic charity. These two grants were matched by the central Freemasons charity in London, The Masonic Charitable Foundation, making a total of £7,500.
The counselling hub was formally opened on Saturday 22nd September 2022 by Graham Glazier, the head of Dorset Freemasons, along with Chris Lockwood the south west area chairman of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons, plus local representatives of the three Masonic charities who the funded the project.
Graham Glazier, head of Dorset Freemasonry, said:
'As Dorset Freemasons we are proud to be a part of this joint funding scheme along with our partners Dorset Masonic Care, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons and the Masonic Charitable Foundation, helping to make a difference to those in our area affected by the blight of homelessness'
Julie Berti, Chief Executive Officer of the charity 'Hope Housing Training and Support' said:
'The amazing benefits of the quiet rooms provided by the Freemasons of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight here at Hope now means that our residents can discuss their issues in private confidential rooms with not only our support workers but other community providers of services. We now have two warm cosy rooms with heating, internet facilities, the use of a small desk and comfortable chairs plus a coffee table to help people relax.'
