Freemasons are donating 20,000 art therapy books to more than 150 hospital wards, dementia charities and support groups across England and Wales to mark Dementia Action Week.

The United Grand Lodge of England in conjunction with the Masonic Charitable Foundation joined efforts to support the annual campaign which runs from 13 to 19 May 2024.

The donation aims to help people living with dementia to improve attention and symptoms of anxiety and apathy.

David Barton, an Essex Freemason and founder of Get Started Art, is driving the initiative. Get Started Art, which was launched in 2023, has already donated 80,000 colouring books to charities including Mencap, Alzheimer’s UK and Age UK

“It has been quite humbling to be honest but with the nationwide support of Freemasons, Get Started Art is committed to providing assistance to those in need and, through our donations, alleviating some of the anxiety associated with these conditions,” said Barton.