The United Grand Lodge of England, based in Bromsgrove, and the Masonic Charitable Foundation are supporting Dementia Action Week (May 13-19) by donating 20,000 art therapy books to aid those affected by dementia. The books will be distributed across 150 hospital wards, charities, and support groups throughout the UK, as well as care homes provided by various organizations.
David Barton, an Essex Freemason, spearheaded the initiative through his 'Get Started Art' project, which aims to manage anxiety and apathy symptoms in dementia patients through creative therapy. Over the past six months, the project has already donated 80,000 colouring books to numerous charities and 15 NHS Trusts.
Danielle Neligan from NHS Hospitals Charity expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it has enabled teams across hospitals to enhance the experience of patients, particularly those living with dementia. David Martin from Westgate Healthcare also praised the donation, emphasizing the books' potential to inspire, entertain, and serve as therapeutic tools for social interaction among the elderly community.
With the nationwide support of Freemasons, 'Get Started Art' remains committed to assisting those in need and alleviating some of the anxiety associated with dementia through their generous donations.
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