1. The Proactive Almoner

2. Characteristics
Energetic , able, caring, communicative, mobile, well-organised, well-supported, interested.
Good planner
Good Team player/ Team Leader
Good record keeper
Good communicator/Reporter. Informative.
Creative, able to offer good judgement
Prompt, reactive to need/circumstances
Knowledgable. Well-trained.

3. Planning
Contact before Lodge meetings. Time to phone , , report to WM/Sec/Others.
Make it your ritual to be high profile and accessible.
Record of every member and family (filing cabinet). Records of contact , relevant info, help and support.
Visits to homes, hospital, meetings.
Frequency ? Involve others ? Rotas ?

4. Organisation Office/ filing IT literate. Regular user. Up-to-date.
Diaried. Year Planner. Routines.
Empowered by the Lodge. Almoner’s account.
Expenses
Leadership & Management.

5. Lead Role : Widows
Contact with Lodge Widows: Christmas, birthdays, events.
Who visits the widows?
Who buys and delivers presents?
Who organises lunches , parties, dinners?
Are the widows organised amongst themselves
Is there an up-to-date address list ?

6. Lead Role : Information/Training
Help and direct Brethren on specific matters:
Care and Support. E.g. RMBI
Petitions for financial aid, living expenses(Grand Charity),
Medical (MSF), Children(RMTGB)
Help to guide and complete application forms (JAFs , Reviews)
Understand the role of the Visiting Brother/ Case Almoner
Masonic Eligibility, Financial Eligibity/Limits
Freemasonry Cares
Use The Provincial Almoner
Use Your Group Almoner
Attend Seminars/ Group Almoners Meetings to update. E.g. Merger of Masonic charities, Visiting Almoner Pilot Scheme.

7. The JAF Available from the PGA
Will take more than one visit to complete
Will require additional documents
Will need to be photocopied
Must be returned to PGA not sent straight to Charities
Will be subject to annual review by a separate review form
Can result in a one-year grant which is not guaranteed to continue

8. MSF grants
Almoners can apply direct using MSF forms through Freemasonry Cares
Short term needs/one off needs. E.g. Dental treatment, respite care, mobility scooters, home adaptations, short term crises
Not subject to annual review
Best to take advice by phone before applying

9. Helpful Information The Suffolk Almoner’s Handbook
The Masonic Charities Guidebook for Almoners. Available electronically from the Provincial Website or from The provincial Almoner.
Specific Leaflets. Available today and updated periodically.
Quarterly Review Statistics. Circulated electronically by PGA.
Group Almoner meetings which focus on new information, sharing good practice, local co-operation, individual help.

10. Summary
The successful Lodge Almoner does not try to do it all on his own.
The successful Lodge Almoner is high-profile, follows weekly/monthly routines and keeps good records.
The successful Lodge Almoner ensures that the members care for each other.
The successful Lodge Almoner cares for himself by maintaining a work-life balance.