Oh wonderful Masons

A Huddersfield community charity which supports men with mental health issues is overwhelmed at financial support from West Riding Masonic Charities.

Platform 1, based in the town’s St George’s Square and which has a membership of 500 since its inception to years ago, has received a £10,000 grant as part of our Covid-19 response to assist valuable work in local communities

Men from many different backgrounds are offered pastoral support by Platform 1 in wide-ranging situations such as coping with bereavement, housing, personal finance issues and drug or alcohol addiction.

Robert Morse, Project Leader at Platform 1, spoke emotionally when he said:

“It is difficult to express words about the difference some parts of our society make upon the rest. Some proceed quietly without being seen, while their actions have a massive impact on people they have never met. Families impacted by life-shattering events, individuals on the brink of suicide; many have already attempted to end their lives in despondency and desperation.

Those who are familiar with Platform 1 will know our actions and inventions save lives, save sanity and save spirits. These words are to express our gratitude and that of our supporters that a group of individuals can make a considerable difference to so many people’s lives. I refer to the Freemasons who have just given us £10,000 to use in our battle for men who cannot fight mental health alone and find themselves in danger both mentally emotionally and physically, with nowhere to go and no hope. The Masons do what they do because they care about their fellow man and want to make a difference! – and what a difference this money will make, directly impacting upon the outcomes of many men and those that love them, and, also the men that no one loves. The secret is out! A so-called secret society just quietly gets on and makes a difference!”

Bob also expresses his thanks to Holme Valley Lodge 652, which meets at the 19th century former Druid’s Hall in Holmfirth for sponsoring an application for the grant.

Lodge members first became aware of the charity’s work in 2018, and WM Martin Wright said: “We can understand the devastating impact on their work by Covid-19 and we felt there was no-one more deserving of consideration by the PGM’s Fund.

Provincial Grand Master David Pratt said: “Platform 1 – caring people doing wonderful things. Freemasons have been supporting worthy causes such as this with charitable donations for over 300 years. The current Covid-19 Pandemic is causing unprecedented demands and stresses on individuals, families and throughout our communities. There is now a heightened awareness of the mental impact on wellbeing, and we are delighted to provide a donation of £10,000 from our members, who include those from 15 Huddersfield area Lodges, to advance the excellent and celebrated work of Platform 1.

Charity is a core value of Freemasonry, and as we are part of every local community, it is a pleasure for us to support those doing such wonderful things for other human beings.”