Royal Black Institution bolsters charity efforts with Operation Hope initiative

Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson, Assistant Sovereign Grand Master Lord Elliott, and Imperial Grand Treasurer David Livingstone with the Operation Hope information packs which will be distributed to members

(Images: Graham Baalham-Curry)

The Royal Black Institution has unveiled an ambitious expansion of its charitable endeavours through the Operation Hope initiative, launched at a special event at its headquarters in Loughgall, Co Armagh, this weekend.

The programme aims to provide vital support to its members, their families, and the wider community during challenging times, with a focus on education and well-being.

Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson, addressing attendees, outlined the core mission of Operation Hope.

“The aim is to support members and their families through difficult times,” he said. “We plan to deliver this support across the twin pillars of ‘education’ and ‘well-being’. This has been the focus of our current charitable fundraising.”

Eight topics are covered in the Operation Hope leaflets including Family Life, Bereavement, Technology, and Isolation and Retirement

The initiative will tackle a range of pressing issues under these two themes. Educational topics include Faith in a Secular Society, Family Life, Bereavement, and Technology, while well-being efforts will address Physical and Mental Health, Stress, Isolation, and Retirement.

Rev Anderson emphasised the project’s significance in today’s climate, stating, “The development of Operation Hope in a society where many find themselves devoid of hope is an important project for the Royal Black Institution. It enables us to deliver the objectives set out in our Mission Statement based on faith and citizenship.”

He further noted the Christian ethos underpinning the initiative, adding, “Scripture teaches us that Spirit-led volunteerism is important for Christians to help others in their time of need. I trust that this project will be a blessing to many.”

The Rev John Noble (forefront) was one of the speakers

The Royal Black Institution has a long-standing commitment to philanthropy, having donated £845,000 to various charitable causes since launching its biennial appeals in 2002. However, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted these efforts.

“The impact of Covid-19 had a direct impact on this important work,” Rev Anderson explained. “The institution was effectively closed during the height of the pandemic, and we were therefore unable to organise any fundraising events.”

Operation Hope emerged in the wake of the pandemic, prompted by the recognition of widespread struggles among members and their communities.

Royal Black Institution officers listen to the speakers

“It became apparent that internal support was required on a large scale to support our members, their families, and friends, together with the wider community, as many were struggling to overcome issues following the pandemic,” Rev Anderson said.

He expressed confidence that the initiative, the first of its kind for the institution, would encourage early intervention for those facing difficulties.

Assistant Sovereign Grand Master Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard also spoke at the event, highlighting the pressures faced by young people in the digital age. He described social media as “a major source of intimidation and a deliverer of negative messaging,” calling for mechanisms to address platforms that “appear beyond the law.”

Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of the Orange Order, and Joan Beggs, Grand Mistress of the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland, attended the event

Lord Elliott also touched on the theme of Isolation and Retirement, sharing a personal perspective.

“I’ll give you a view from my mother, who is 93 and lives by herself,” he said. “When Covid hit, mum wasn’t nearly as fearful of it as she was of isolation and the potential of not having daily and regular meetings and conversations with her friends and family.”

He urged members to take practical steps to combat loneliness, encouraging them to “visit those who may be lonely, take those out who don’t have anyone to provide that service, and ensure you do the simple good deed of looking in on your neighbour.”

Operation Hope marks a significant step forward for the Royal Black Institution as it seeks to address contemporary challenges while staying true to its values of faith, community, and service. The initiative is expected to provide a lifeline for many, fostering resilience and hope in the face of adversity.