Somerset Masters pleased to help a worthy charity
At their October meeting, Somerset Masters Lodge had their first guest speaker for some time – Gary Smith of Peace Lodge at Westhoughton near Bolton, in the Province of West Lancashire, who gave a fascinating Presentation on Freemasonry and the Holocaust.
As is customary, the Lodge offered to donate the Alms collection to a charity of the speaker’s choice. Gary nominated Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS UK) but also asked if the donation could be made to the branch in the Province of Somerset. That request was fulfilled at Bath Masonic Hall when the current Master of the Lodge, Neil Hawes, accompanied by Transactions Editor Malcolm Toogood, presented a cheque for £350 to Anne Cullis from the Bath Branch.
Each year in the UK, more than six thousand people take their own life, and each suicide has a devastating and lasting impact on their families, friends and communities. Suicide recognises no social, ethnic or cultural boundaries and neither do SOBS UK, who are the only national charity providing dedicated support to adults who have been bereaved by suicide, with a small national team in Derbyshire supporting local branches run totally by nearly 500 volunteers from all walks of life. These branches provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings through peer-led support groups, a national telephone helpline and online community forum.
Anne Cullis commented that, “the Bath support group for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide is delighted to receive such a generous donation. We are a volunteer-led group which provides a space for those affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide, a uniquely traumatic circumstance where the support of others who understand is essential.”
Neil Hawes commented that, “this is a charity we were previously unaware of prior to Gary’s request but having now met up with one of the support group, who clearly offer an invaluable service for people who find themselves in very traumatic and unexpected situations, we were pleased to help.”
For further information on the charity click on the image below:
