Stronger Together - Essex Freemasons support NHS dementia bus stop project
Essex Freemasons join forces with community partners to fundraise a ‘dementia bus stop’ for Thurrock Community Hospital, Meadowview ward
When the Meadowview Ward of the Thurrock Community Hospital first approached Essex Freemasons, it was to request raffle prizes to support their fundraising for a ‘dementia bus stop’. A project designed to create a more comforting and reassuring environment for patients living with dementia. The ward had set a target of around £3,000 to cover the cost of a bespoke bus-stop mural and an NHS-approved anti-ligature bench.
Once the request was reviewed, Essex Freemason Steve Hall took the lead on behalf of the South and Central Charity Team. Recognising the practical value of the project for both patients and staff, he set out to coordinate a complete solution so that the work could be delivered at no cost to the NHS. Through his tireless efforts, and with contributions from several lodges and community funds, Essex Freemasons agreed to take on full responsibility for the project.
A total of £1,850 was raised to sponsor K&B Design, who had provided the original quotation to carry out the mural. Support came from Henry de Gray Lodge No. 6627, £500, the Cross Keys Community Fund, £500, Orsett Lodge No. 5424, £250, Old Palmerians Lodge No. 5632, £200, Saint John’s Lodge No. 1343, £100, and the Essex Provincial Charity Fund, £300. K&B Design then generously donated the remaining portion of their costs, ensuring the mural could be completed in full.
The project also required a specific NHS-approved bench. Essex Freemason Barry Abbott-Trangmar of Henry de Gray Lodge arranged for 3Way Cleaning to sponsor the full cost of the bench, ensuring all NHS specifications were met.
With funding and sponsorship secured, and thanks to the coordinated work of Steve Hall, the supporting lodges and community partners, the mural and bench installation were completed within four months.
Karina Gittleson, Ward Clerk at Meadowview Ward shared: “The dementia bus stop has already made a noticeable difference. It provides a calmer, more familiar space for patients who become confused or unsettled, and it has given our team an important tool to help reassure them. We are extremely grateful for the support received to make this possible.”
K&B Design commented: “We were pleased to work again with Essex Freemasons on a project that brings real benefit to the community. Following our earlier collaboration at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre, it was rewarding to help create a welcoming and supportive space on Meadowview Ward.”
Elizabeth Johns from 3Way Cleaning added: “We were delighted to support this project. Helping improve local spaces that offer comfort and reassurance is something we value, and this has been a great example of what can be achieved when organisations work together.”
Following the completion of the project, Essex Freemasons Steve Hall, Barry Abbott-Trangmar and David Barton, Provincial Community Engagement Lead, visited Meadowview Ward to meet the nursing staff, patients and the mural artists from K&B Design and to see the stunning artwork first hand. The visit provided an opportunity to observe how the dementia bus stop is already helping patients who become disorientated or anxious, and to understand the practical difference it is making on the ward.
This final visit brought the project full circle, reinforcing the importance of charity and community engagement, and demonstrating the meaningful impact that collaboration between Freemasons, local partners and NHS teams can achieve.
Photo:
Top: R-L David Barton, Steve Hall with hospital staff.
Left: Waiting at the Bus Stop, Hospital staff and Essex Freemasons admiring the completed project.
