An Introduction To Supporting Individuals And Carers To Dementia Care –

There can be hardly be a Masonic unit where one of its members isn’t either aware of, caring for, or perhaps suffering from a memory-related illness.

In that context, we are pleased to announce that Anne Child, Pharmacy and Dementia Specialist Lead at the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) has kindly agreed to visit Middlesex to speak to us, and to give some practical advice on communication, environment, signposting etc., to help carers supporting those with memory-related illness.

Anne has a key role in the RMBI supporting their objective to provide high quality specialist dementia care in its 17 care homes across England and Wales, and is an authority on the subject.

In 2014, she received an MBE for services to dementia, and in 2015 she was appointed programme guardian for care home medication with the College of Pharmacy Practice, and also joined the national steering group for Parkinson’s UK.

Anne holds a Master’s degree, and specialises in dementia and medication management, as well as clinical governance and risk management.

She will be accompanied by Debbie Hollands, the RMBI Residents Placements Manager. Working closely with Homes Managers, Operations Managers and Marketing Managers, Debbie ensure focus is maintained on our occupancy levels and she would be able to answer questions re fees, placement and contracts etc.

The presentations will be held as follows:

– Tuesday 29th October – Twickenham – 6:45pm for a 7:30pm start

– Wednesday 30th October – Harrow – 6:45pm for a 7:30pm start

Who should attend ?

Lodge and Chapter Almoners have already been invited to attend, but the invitation is also made to any Brother who may be caring for, or concerned about a close relative with a memory-related illness.

NOTE: It is anticipated that there may be considerable interest in the above presentations, so early advance booking is essential.

If demand exceeds supply, attendance may have to be on a “first come, first served” basis.

To register your interest in attending, please email events@pglm.org.uk confirming full name, which event you wish to attend and a contact phone number

Diabetes Screening Programme –

John Briggs (Provincial Craft Charity Steward) has secured funding from the Middlesex Province Masonic Charitable Trust to provide diabetes screening by Diabetes UK for all Middlesex Freemasons.

The sessions will comprise an assessment to take height, weight and waist measurements, with the individual being asked a number of questions.

There are no blood or urine tests – so nothing invasive.

Those attending will also be asked to complete a short questionnaire, and if they are identified to be at risk, Diabetes UK will suggest they see their GP for a blood test, and they will also issue a letter and an information booklet during the assessment.

The testing sessions are to be scheduled for April/May 2020

Diabetes is an increasingly common illness that, if not appropriately managed, can cause lasting and severe health issues. Diabetes may not display any obvious symptoms, so it is always a good idea to be screened for it.

To register your interest in attending a future event, please email events@pglm.org.uk confirming full name, which Centre you would prefer to attend and a contact phone number