Who We Are

The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants. Nearly 9.5 million

people are eligible for our help. We are also one of the country’s largest membership organisations, with about 380,000 members nationwide, and a further 11,000 overseas. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether or

not they have served in the Armed Forces. Founded in 1921, the Legion is not just about those who fought in the two World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in the many conflicts since

1945 and those still fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. This year, as always, British troops have been posted to the forefront of some of the world’s most dangerous trouble spots and they may need our help in

the future. As well as providing wide ranging welfare care, we are the Nation’s custodian of Remembrance, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.

 

What We Do

The Legion is the major voice for Service and ex-Service people throughout the year. We campaign and lobby on a wide range of issues, including mental and physical health, housing and homelessness, employment, community

and adult care, disability, skills development and debt. Our aim is to continuously improve the welfare and support provided for veterans and their dependants of all ages We are custodians of Remembrance,

ensuring those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today are always remembered. We are responsible for the Two Minute Silence on Remembrance Sunday and 11 November, bringing Remembrance into the national calendar.

We also organise the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, and assist with the march past at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

 

Nearly 9.5 million people are eligible for our welfare support. We fight nearly 36,000 ongoing War Disablement Pension cases for veterans and make around 300,000 welfare and friendship visits every year. We can offer financial aid in an urgent crisis, or help homeless ex-Service people get back on their feet. We also advise people on compensation claims, and offer careers advice for those looking to make a fresh start after leaving the Forces.

 

Our welfare services are split into seven categories:

·         Poppy Advice: We can offer advice on war pensions, compensation claims, benefits and money matters, and also careers advice for those leaving the Forces.

·         Poppy Funds: We can provide funds in a temporary crisis, such as homelessness, or assist with loans for property repairs and starting up a small business.

·         Poppy Homes: A major part of our welfare work is to provide short and long-term care for ex-Service people and their dependants in our seven Poppy Homes around the country.

·         Poppy Breaks: Those who need a break can visit one of our four Poppy Break Centres, located in some of the country's most popular, traditional seaside resorts.

·         Poppy Travel: We offer Remembrance tours and battlefield tours to war cemeteries, memorials and battlefields worldwide, with each designed as a relaxing and informative holiday. These can be customised for schools and groups.

·         Poppy Calls: Poppy Calls provides a free dedicated handy person service to those unable to carry out small repairs and minor alterations to their homes.

·         Poppy People: Volunteers are vital to our organisation – you can join as a Poppy Collector, or as a Caseworker, providing emotional support and practical assistance in the local community. We are also

Date Published: 11/11/09