On Wednesday 16th June, W Bro Alfie Buckland, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, representing Middlesex Freemasons, made a heartfelt visit to the Dementia Hub at Northwick Park Hospital, part of the vital services provided by Harrow Carers. He arrived bearing a generous donation of therapy colouring books and crayons—simple but powerful tools that can bring calm, stimulation, and comfort to those living with dementia.
These colouring books are more than just an artistic pastime; they’re part of a growing recognition of the importance of creative therapies in dementia care. Engaging in familiar and gentle activities like colouring can help reduce anxiety, stimulate memory, and offer a sense of purpose—especially important for patients navigating the emotional and cognitive challenges of dementia.
Upon receiving the donation, Roshanthi Pereira, Team Lead at the Dementia Hub, warmly expressed her gratitude. “The pictures look great and thank you so much for bringing them. We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support from Middlesex Freemasons,” she said. “Meeting you, Ollie and some of your other members has been such a rewarding experience since we realised your heart is to help and reach out to as many communities as possible.”
The Dementia Hub at Northwick Park is a partnership-driven space dedicated to supporting people living with dementia, as well as their carers. It provides assessments, support services, and activities that promote wellbeing and independence. One of the key collaborators in this effort is Harrow Carers, a long-standing local charity that has been supporting unpaid carers for over 25 years. Their mission is to improve the wellbeing of carers across Harrow, offering advice, emotional support, training, respite services and more.
Many of those accessing the Dementia Hub are, in fact, carers themselves—partners, children, or friends who dedicate much of their lives to supporting loved ones. The therapy materials donated by Middlesex Freemasonry will therefore benefit not only patients but also those caring for them, providing shared moments of creativity and calm.
In a heartening ripple effect, Brent Carers Centre, who were also present at the Dementia Hub when the donation was made, reached out shortly afterward to request colouring books for their own service users. Brent Carers Centre provides similar support across the borough of Brent, including advocacy, counselling, peer support groups and wellbeing activities for carers of all ages.
This small act of kindness has clearly resonated across multiple communities. W Bro Alfie’s visit is a shining example of how Middlesex Freemasonry continues to support those in need, often quietly and behind the scenes, building bridges between lodges and the wider community. It underscores the core values of Freemasonry—charity, compassion, and community engagement.
Middlesex Freemasonry is proud to see its members contributing in such tangible and meaningful ways. This simple delivery of crayons and colouring books has opened new conversations, new relationships, and perhaps most importantly, brought smiles to faces that truly need them.
Let it serve as a reminder: sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that make the biggest difference.
