Durham Freemasons have extended their TLC (Tender Loving Care) Comfort Bears initiative into local care homes, providing practical and emotional support to residents living with dementia.
One Darlington-based Lodge adopted the scheme locally, using proceeds from its recent Lodge raffle to fund ‘Orange Comfort Bears’ and accompanying 'Art Therapy Packs' for dementia care settings. The initiative forms part of a wider commitment by Durham Freemasons, who, since its inception, have donated over 1,500 Comfort Bears and 1,700 Art Therapy Packs across the region.
Originally introduced in A&E departments to provide reassurance during medical emergencies, the TLC initiative is now being adapted to meet the specific needs of dementia patients. Through ‘Orange Comfort Bears’ and Art Therapy Packs, Durham Freemasons deliver comfort, dignity, and meaningful engagement to individuals who may often experience confusion or distress.
As Worshipful Master of Darlington-based Trinity Lodge, Darren Martin has been keen to continue the Lodge’s community support and help extend the TLC scheme into dementia care.
Darren said:
“With the £300 raised from our Lodge raffle, I wanted to fund a Comfort Bear visit to a care home to support residents living with dementia. It was a truly wonderful afternoon meeting and chatting with everyone, and the instant response to receiving the bears and Art Therapy Packs was clear to see in the smiles on their faces.”
Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons, Tom Gittins, supported the visit and highlighted the broader impact.
Tom Gittins said:
“This is exactly what Durham Freemasons are about - supporting our communities in practical, compassionate ways. These Orange Comfort Bears and Art Therapy Packs may seem like small gestures, but their impact is immediate and deeply meaningful for residents living with dementia.”
Also present was Duncan Maw, Provincial Almoner for Durham Freemasons, who emphasised the value of emotional and sensory support, particularly in later stages of the condition.
The benefits of such non-medical interventions are well recognised; Dementia UK highlights the positive impact that comfort objects and therapeutic activities can have.
The programme has already marked a milestone through engagement with Darlington Manor Care Home, and Durham Freemasons are encouraging other Lodges to work with local care facilities to expand the reach of the programme.
By extending the TLC Comfort Bears initiative into dementia care, Durham Freemasons continue to demonstrate that even a small gesture can provide lasting comfort and dignity to those living with dementia.
