West Essex Hospices Appeal and Get Started Art unite in family support
West Essex Hospices Appeal and Get Started Art align to further support hospice families across West Essex
The West Essex Hospices Appeal (WEHA), an Essex Masonic charity supporting hospices since 1989, is aligning with Get Started Art to further support patients, families, and children facing life-limiting illness and bereavement across West Essex.
This work reflects the ongoing commitment of Essex Freemasons to community engagement, supporting local causes and ensuring that meaningful help reaches those who need it most within the communities they serve.
Formed in May 1989 by four Essex Freemasons and formally registered in October 1989, the West Essex Hospices Appeal has supported the hospice movement across West Essex for almost 40 years. Through its continued and lasting commitment, the Appeal has helped ensure that Essex Freemasonry remains actively involved in and connected to the local community.
For the past 36 years, the Trustees of the Appeal have encouraged Essex Freemasons to raise funds for the provision of comforts to patients in hospices serving West Essex.
The Appeal currently distributes regular quarterly donations to Saint Francis Hospice, Havering-Atte-Bower, and The Margaret Centre located at Whipps Cross University Hospital. It also provides regular biannual donations to St Clare Hospice, Harlow, and Haven House Children’s Hospice, Woodford Green.
These donations enable the hospice Family Support Service Departments to assist in alleviating hardship experienced by the families of those suffering from life-limiting illnesses at their time of need in a practical and immediate way. This includes support with travel expenses to the hospice and providing funds to purchase children’s school clothing.
Through this alignment, Get Started Art will be providing mindfulness colouring books in common areas and waiting rooms, alongside specialist bereavement books for children, including The Caterpillar and the Butterfly – A story about Change, helping children and families experiencing grief, loss, and change.
This approach reflects wider support across Freemasonry, where Royal Arch Freemasons have supported similar initiatives. It highlights the importance of different parts of Essex Freemasonry working together, demonstrating how alignment and shared purpose can make a meaningful difference to families in need.
At its core, the WEHA is a charitable fund dedicated to supporting hospices and the families they serve, continuing a long-standing commitment from Essex Freemasons to provide practical help and comfort within the community.
Phillip Walker, Chairman of the WEHA said:
“At the heart of everything we do is people, families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. If we can bring even a small amount of comfort, ease a burden, or help a child understand what they are going through, then it truly matters. It is incredibly humbling to see what can be achieved when Essex Freemasons come together with compassion and a shared purpose to support those who need it most.”
The WEHA continues to welcome support through its Champion Supporter Scheme, with recognition available at Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Sapphire, and Diamond Champion Supporter levels.
For further information on the work of the WEHA or to donate, please contact any of the Trustees.
Phillip Walker – Chairman -
Tony Curtis – Secretary, Chris Hicks – Treasurer, Darren Bartlett – Promotions, Peter Hollingsworth – Trustee
Photos:
Top: Chingford Masonic Association receiving their SILVER Champion certificate L-R: Dave Hook, Dave Clarke, Phillip Walker, Gary Brown
Right: Mindfulness Colouring Books
