The power of a fridge magnet!

It seems amazing how a simple fridge magnet can save someone’s life. Here is Joy’s story of how a Freemasons Charity has helped her. “I am happier and more content today. Certainly, happier than I was just over a year ago when my life seemed like it was falling apart. Thanks to the Freemasons, I have come a long way. I have a safe comfortable home, a beautiful baby and a loving family around me.

“My journey out of that dreadful part of my life started when, at my lowest ebb, I noticed one of the Masonic Charity fridge magnets in my mum and dad’s kitchen. I pleaded with my dad to call them to see if there was any way they could help me. The charity contacted a local Freemason who came to see me straight away.

“Looking back, without their assistance, I would have had no one who knew how to represent and support me. I needed somewhere to live and was pregnant, after having to flee my previous address. I also had arrears from outstanding bills as a result of the abuse and coercive control of my expartner. I had also lost a previous well-paid job due to the fact my ex-partner was making threats to the people in my workplace. I had to leave for their safety and my own.

“My workplace was where I had been confident and had self- respect, but this was taken away and I found myself in a hostel, no longer able to fund a home for myself or put down a deposit either.

“At a meeting at the local council, I was accompanied by a Freemason, who offered support and to speak on my behalf if I wanted. My experience had made me withdrawn and unable to trust others. I think I had become isolated and found it difficult to speak up for myself due to the abusive relationship I had been in. “When I was given the keys to my new home, I felt like I was being offered the opportunity to rebuild a life for my unborn child and myself, where we could make a safe and loving home and we can look forward to enjoying life together. I attended a course run by Women’s Aid that has helped a great deal as it made me aware that the things that happened to me were not my fault and I could avoid getting into similar relationships in the future.

“Also, the Masonic Charity and local Freemasons group stepped in with help to make my home comfortable and secure, this gave me a sense of hope. All I wanted was for my baby to grow up knowing he had a caring family environment that supports you when times are tough.

“As a single mother, I must be able to survive on limited money, but the Masonic Charity helps, and this has allowed me to start a course at the Open University. I intend to use the qualification to get back into work when the baby is a little older.

“I never really appreciated what my Dad being a Freemason was all about, but my experience has taught me that its more about helping others and family coming first.”

If you want to know more about Freemasonry in the Peterborough area, go to www. northants-huntsmasons.org. uk or call the Ellindon Masonic Centre on 01733 331948. There are many informal evenings to find out what Freemasonry is all about.