Adrian Barlow
Dear Brethren,
This is the first time I have submitted an article for the Second Rising. As the Provincial Almoner I see my primary role as being the welfare of all members and their families within the Province of Oxfordshire. As part of this role I believe it is important that you are all kept up to date of recent changes in policy at the Masonic Charitable Foundation and the benefits to which you as members and your families have access.
It is therefore my intention to publish appropriate changes and updates directly to members via the Second rising. All Almoners will receive the update prior to the release via the second rising going forward.
A lot has happened over the last 2 years which has impacted on us all and indeed the way the MCF operates and handles applications for assistance, and of course this has also impacted on the volume of applications for assistance.
So detailed below are some of the changes that have occurred and how the MCF will action certain applications.
• Medical Policy: The temporary suspension of a waiting time criteria continues and will next be reviewed in Autumn 2022. To help us monitor waiting list times, consultants will once again be asked to provide this information. Retrospective cases will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. What this means to you in practice is there is no longer a waiting time before you are able to submit an application for Assistance
• Funeral Grants: Eligibility has been extended to include group 3 beneficiaries. A grant can be made following the death of a Freemason or their widowed partner, where the cost of the funeral is the responsibility of the applicant, there is no recourse to alternative funds and meeting the cost would result in a financial distress.
• Following legal advice, we can confirm that it is not possible to assist with the cost of a funeral where there is no next of kin. I have assisted with two cases within the Province recently where individual funeral costs have been paid by the MCF and ongoing Daily Living allowance Grants have been arranged for the remaining spouse.
• Ex-Pat Medical Support: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they made suitable provision for their health needs at the time of their relocation. Reasonable travel costs will be considered where the expense would be a barrier to receiving treatment.
• Counselling for Children and Young People: Current counselling care line provision does not currently extend to children (typically 11-17). This is a challenging area and we are currently researching options for how we may provide additional support in this area.
• MCF Holidays and short breaks. The four MCF group holidays will return in 2022, following a hiatus due to covid.
• Following an initial pilot prior to covid 19, a further short breaks pilot is to be undertaken commencing April 2022. The breaks are funded by the MCF, but chosen and arranged by the beneficiary to ensure they meet their individual needs.
• The main eligibility for this benefit is that the applicant must be currently in receipt of a ‘Daily Living Allowance Grant’
• Mobility aids: Following a competitive tender, we will be moving to a new supplier from 1 April 2022. There is extensive work under way internally to support the transition.
• Under the new contract the way in which the equipment is provided will change:
o All equipment will be gifted to the beneficiary. It will no longer be offered on a long-term loan basis. Equipment will be provided with an appropriate initial support package including a warranty, first year service and insurance.
o Equipment provided under the current contract will be gifted to the user. All warranty, insurance and service packages will remain valid. In early 2022, MCF will write to all current beneficiaries to advise them of the change. A copy of the letter and an FAQ document will be shared with all PGAs in advance.
o Where the beneficiary cannot afford maintenance or repair costs, they will be able to contact the MCF for financial assistance. This is likely to take the form of a minor grant, with eligibility ‘passported’ for current Daily Living Costs (DLC) grants recipients. For individuals not in receipt of a DLC, we will use it as an opportunity to identify if they would benefit from DLC support.
• The current policy on funding storage will continue unchanged, meaning it will be considered only where there is no alternative.
Brethren the above areas of support have raised many questions the answers to which I can provide upon request.
Applications for assistance can be made via your Lodge Almoner, Directly with the MCF by calling: 0800 035 60 90 or emailing them on help@MCF.org.uk, or via me
On 01865 375180/ 07976 423913 PrGalm@oxfordshirefreemasons.org
Brethren we have a mutual duty to support each other wherever and whenever possible. In the world we are currently living in where we are once again witnesses to the spectre of a dictator causing untold suffering and death. Please reach out a hand of support, be kind to each other and if it is within your gift offer your support.
Yours sincerely & fraternally
Adrian Barlow
Provincial Grand Almoner.