Elia Lodge

Thanks to a recent grant from Freemasons, 45 young adults with learning disabilities and autism will soon have access to life-changing employment support through Fair Shot, giving them a genuine chance at paid, meaningful work.

Employment rates for people with learning disabilities remain alarmingly low. Recent statistics show that only about 4.8% of adults with a learning disability are in paid work. Fair Shot’s mission is to turn those odds around by offering tailored training, mentoring, and real-world work experience.

Based in Covent Garden, Fair Shot runs a social-enterprise café that doubles as a vocational training hub. Through its Supported Internship Programme, young adults aged 16–25 are given hands-on hospitality training, one-to-one coaching, and the tools to build confidence and practical skills. Once trainees complete the programme, Fair Shot works with employers to “job-carve” suitable roles, helping ensure that graduates move into sustainable, paid employment.

London Freemasons say: “We’re very pleased we’ve been able to help Fair Shot with their hugely important project to help young people with learning difficulties and autism into work. It’s hard to overestimate the importance of their being in paid employment, both in terms of earning money and in the confidence it gives in other areas of their lives.”

So far, Fair Shot has supported dozens of young adults out of unemployment. Their 2024 impact report states that a high percentage of learners become employment-ready and, when placed, earn wages as real, contributing members of the workforce.

The £60,000 grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation will help Fair Shot expand its programme, reaching more young adults and supporting deeper engagement with employers. For many participants, this funding could make the difference between being excluded from work and building a fulfilling, independent life.

The impact extends beyond the individuals, though. By supporting employer outreach and raising awareness of inclusive hiring practices, the Fair Shot initiative also helps shift attitudes; paving the way to a more inclusive workforce.

Fair Shot’s CEO, Bianca Tavella, expressed deep gratitude to London Freemasons for the support: “We’re extremely grateful to London Freemasons for their generous support. This funding will allow us to offer life-changing opportunities to young people with learning difficulties who are too often overlooked. We believe in a future where everyone, regardless of disability, can access fair and meaningful employment – and this grant takes us one big step closer to that vision.”

Through this partnership with Fair Shot, London Freemasons are not just funding a café, but helping create opportunities, dignity and independence for young adults often excluded from the labour force.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 59 here.

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