Feeling anxious? Troubled? Just need someone to talk to? You're not alone.

At a time when mental wellbeing is more important than ever, Metropolitan Grand Lodge has made a powerful commitment to the health and resilience of its members.

It all began earlier this year with a landmark Wellbeing Ambassador webinar, where over 750 Freemasons came together to learn how to better support themselves and each other. The webinar laid the foundation for what would become a broader movement within MetGL to prioritise mental health, promote awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma sometimes associated with seeking assistance across its members.

Taking that vision even further, MetGL has now successfully trained 70 Freemasons to become official Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) – gaining a nationally recognised qualification backed by the Royal Society for Public Health.

This achievement was made possible through a partnership with Wellbeing First Aid, led by its founder and MHFA trainer, Kate O’Leary. Drawing on both lived experience and evidence-based practices, Kate delivered a course dedicated to meeting people where they are – encouraging open conversations, building confidence, and fostering peer support within our Fraternity.

What began as an online MHFA course concluded in June with an exclusive face-to-face training session, delivered over two weekends.

The result is a growing network of certified Mental Health First Aiders embedded within MetGL and indeed within our Lodges – Brethren who are now equipped to listen, support, and signpost help when it's needed most.

Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, you’re never alone. There’s now always a trusted, trained Brother nearby, ready to help.

MetGL’s ongoing investment in mental health isn’t just a programme – it’s also a testament to the enduring values of Freemasonry: compassion, support, and fraternity.

If you feel you need to speak to a Brother MHFAider, look out for posters featuring pictures of MHFAiders in Masonic centres around London to identify them; or you can email in confidence at MHFA@englandmail.com (this is a generic email monitored by one of the MHFA volunteers. Your details will be kept confidential).

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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