From lapel pins to public conversations: Mental Health Awareness Week
Essex Freemasons rally behind Mental Health Awareness Week with county-wide initiatives, starting conversations and raising funds
Essex Freemasons proudly supported Mental Health Awareness Week through a county-wide initiative designed not only to raise vital funds, but also to start conversations and encourage people to seek support when they need it most.
Across seven Masonic centres throughout Essex namely Braintree, Chingford, Clacton, Cross Keys, Loughton, Orsett and Southend, official Mental Health Foundation lapel pins were being sold to members and visitors, with all proceeds helping to support future mental health awareness initiatives and community wellbeing projects.
However, the campaign was about far more than fundraising alone.
Several centres have also took the initiative to distribute the pins free of charge to members of the public outside their Masonic halls as a visible symbol of support, compassion, and awareness. Volunteers have been engaging with local residents, encouraging conversations around mental health and helping to break down the stigma that still surrounds it.
At Cross Keys Masonic Centre, Thurrock the campaign has been further brought to life through the display of a striking public mural carrying the powerful message:
‘It’s ok to feel lost sometimes’.
The mural had already attracted attention from passers-by and serves as a simple but important reminder that nobody should feel alone in their struggles.
Essex Freemasons have long supported Mental Health Awareness initiatives across the county and beyond. Just last year, in partnership with Get Started Art, Essex Freemasons helped coordinate the donation of 50,000 mindfulness colouring books across the UK to help raise awareness during Children’s Mental Health Week. The initiative provided schools, families, and community groups with creative wellbeing resources designed to encourage conversation, relaxation, and emotional support for young people.
Provincial Community Engagement Lead, David Barton, said:
“Mental health affects every single one of us either directly or indirectly, and it is so important that we continue to encourage open conversations and visible support within our communities. Sometimes even the smallest gesture, whether that’s wearing a pin, starting a conversation, or simply checking in on someone, can make a real difference. I am incredibly proud of the way our centres and volunteers across Essex have come together to support Mental Health Awareness Week and help remind people that they are never alone.”
The initiative reflects the continuing success of the Essex Freemasons Community Engagement Programme, which focuses on practical, visible, and meaningful community engagement across Essex.
By combining awareness, conversation, visibility, and practical action, Essex Freemasons hope this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week campaign will encourage more people to reach out, support one another, and recognise that help is always available.
Read about story mentioned regarding last year’s distribution of 50,000 mindfulness colouring books across the UK – click link - https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/gsa-50k
Photos:
Top: Cross Keys Masonic Centre mural
Left: Left Pane: Cross Keys very own ‘Banksy’ Right pane: The Mural displayed on the centre wall
Right: Left pane: Colin Felton, Deputy Grand Superintendent proudly displaying his lapel pin Right pane: Awareness poster
