Ionic Lodge

Kate O’Leary, Mental Health Trainer, Consultant & Counsellor @ Wellbeing First Aid, writes:

Mental health concerns are now one of the greatest challenges facing men in later life, and this community is no exception. Which is why I don’t think I’ll ever forget what one Brother told us in response to an anonymous survey at the start of this programme.

At the beginning of the year, we conducted an initial mental health survey amongst the community, and one man shared this deeply moving account of his experience:

“When I received notification of London Honours, it meant someone had been thinking about me. I had been in the final stages of a suicide plan. The honours letter was such a shock, it threw my plan—and very literally saved my life.”

That story has stayed with me throughout the past few months while I’ve been delivering the training. It highlights just how much a moment of connection, and of being seen, can mean to someone in crisis.

At Wellbeing First Aid, we’ve had the privilege of supporting the Met Grand Lodge’s renewed focus on mental health since October last year. What has unfolded since then has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the leadership of Metropolitan Grand Almoner Darrel Palmer, the dedication of Lee Cannon and his team, the support of Inspectors, and generous backing from the London Freemasons’ Charity, I’m proud to say that over 70 MHFAiders have now been trained and certified, and more than 600 Wellbeing Ambassadors are active across the community.

When over 400 people showed up to the first webinar, it was clear to me that something important was happening. From the outset, it became obvious that mental health is a topic this community cares deeply about. The survey that followed, completed by more than 1,500 members, showed that while many feel Freemasonry plays a vital role in supporting their wellbeing, there was still more to do to raise awareness of what mental health support resources are available.

Since then, we’ve seen real momentum build. I’ve also witnessed something deeper begin to take root. I’ve been told that, for many, mental health is no longer just an initiative. Within some parts of the community, conversations that may have once felt difficult are now more visible, more supported, and more openly embraced. With MHFAiders and Ambassadors now spread right across the Inspectorates, these conversations are beginning to embed in everyday Lodge life. In some cases, they’ve even become a standing agenda item in Almoners’ reports. That shift matters. But while momentum is growing, we’re still only halfway through the planned programme. There’s so much more to do.

As we move into the next phase, the work ahead will be just as vital as the training itself. In the months to come, we’ll be delivering more activities, events, and interactive workshops based on the mental health topics members told us they wanted to explore in more depth. Our shared goal is clear: to reduce stigma, support those in crisis, and ensure that wherever you are in the community, someone trained to listen, understand, and signpost to help is never far away.

If you haven’t yet connected with your local Wellbeing Ambassador, now’s the perfect time to find out who has been trained in your Inspectorate. And if you’ve already experienced the support of an MHFAider and feel moved to share your story anonymously, I’d love to hear from you. Please email me at with the subject line: MetGL MHFA Impact Story. We’ll be gathering and sharing some of these powerful accounts to highlight the amazing support already happening within the community and to remind others that they’re not alone.

When he announced this renewed focus on mental health, Metropolitan Grand Master RW Bro Warren Duke spoke about the importance of “bringing light to what has long remained in the shadows.” That vision continues to guide the work we do. And at Wellbeing First Aid, we’re proud to play a part in this growing movement for change.

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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