RBL Support Services are available to people who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, their dependants and carers. Legionline is open 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week 0808 802 8080 (free from UK landlines and main mobile networks).

Beneficiary

Any man or woman who is currently serving or has served as a Regular, Reserve or Auxiliary member of the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force and who is aged 16 years or over and has received seven days’ pay.

Dependants
‘Dependants’ can include children, spouses and partners (this category includes widows or widowers) or other dependants.

Carers
‘Carers’ are those who have an ongoing caring responsibility for a beneficiary.

Immediate Needs Grants

To assist in a crisis and to meet a need or to meet unexpected expenses, the Legion maybe able to help. The scheme doesn’t provide cash but can provide assistance with essentials such as furniture and household appliances, food and clothing and help getting into accommodation. In addition we can consider assistance towards funeral costs, home adaptations, improvements and repairs.

Benefits and Money Advice

Discreet, impartial and non judgemental advice through maximising income by claiming benefits and managing debts.

Independent Living Advice

If a beneficiary suffers from an illness or injury or they care for someone with an illness or injury assistance is given to claim disability related benefits and, if needed, to appeal decisions and represent at tribunals.

War Pensions & Compensation Service

If a beneficiary has a claim with an injury arising from their service the Legion can give advice on how to claim and also support appeals and represent at tribunals. Advice clinics are held at Glebe House in Wellington, the Area office in Birmingham, Audley Court in Newport and other locations.

Independent Inquest Advice

The service provides the families of those who’ve died in Service with free, independent and expert legal advice and representation.

Civvy Street

This service helps beneficiaries adjust to life on Civvy Street and kick start a career. This includes assistance with training grants.

Outreach Service

The Outreach Service works with beneficiaries who are difficult to engage with and who are or may be at risk of, becoming vulnerable and marginalised as a result of complex or multiple needs/issues. The needs/issues often (but not always) relate to; offending, substance misuse, homelessness, physical health and mental health.

Poppy Calls – Handy Van service

Assistance with small household repairs and minor adaptations around the home. This could include putting up curtain rails, fitting grab rails, building ramps and providing care phones and fitting Key Safes.

Poppy Break Centres

The Legion offers breaks to individuals, couples and families. If someone is recovering from an illness, bereavement, or other life affecting event the Legion can provide a comfortable and enjoyable break. Family Breaks and Kids Adventure Breaks are also available during school breaks Easter and Summer for those that have a family member on active service and those that have not had a holiday for sometime.

Care Homes

There are 6 Legion Care Homes in the UK each providing long term nursing and personal care. Some provide dedicated Dementia and respite care.

Admiral Nurse Service

The Legion has partnered with Dementia UK to provide a nursing service to support sufferers and carers. The focus of the service is to give dementia patients a better quality of life, and for carers and families to get the practical support and advice they need. This service is operating in the Black Country, Coventry area and parts of Birmingham.

Find out more by visiting The Royal British Legion website.