Royal British Legion

Children are an important part of the Armed Forces community, and face their own unique challenges. To find out more, RBL supported King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) at King's College London to conduct research into the mental health of children and adolescents whose parents are serving in the UK Armed Forces. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by military children. #MentalHealth #Research

Today, the government has announced that the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card will be added to the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as voter ID. Veteran ID cards were not be accepted as valid voter ID at the 2024 General Election, and we welcome this change. “This is good news,” says Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion. “Veterans have found it frustrating that they were unable to use their Armed Forces Veteran Card as voter identification. It is vital that the voice of the Armed Forces community is heard at every election, now that voter ID is required to vote in elections in the UK, this change will make it easier for those who have served to cast their vote.”

There’s so many reasons to sign up for Poppy Walk this autumn! The perfect chance to get outside, explore the scenery and history of some of the country’s most picturesque parks, and come together in remembrance with your local community. You can even plant a tribute to remember a loved one, and take home a poppy medal after completing the family-friendly 3km route. Happening at four locations across the country: - Sunday 27th October, Sefton Park, Liverpool - Saturday 2nd November, Crystal Palace Park, London - Sunday 3rd November, Southampton Common - Saturday 9th November, Central Park Plymouth There’s still time to get involved. Register online at: https://lnkd.in/g8vXwJtT

Take a moment to remember those who served, or honour a loved one at one of our Fields of Remembrance. Whether you're reflecting on a fallen family member, friend or paying respects to the wider Armed Forces community, your Tribute ensures their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Every year, we proudly display thousands of Tributes, each with a handwritten message for someone who gave their life in service to our country. Your words, whether short or long, will be displayed in the Fields of Remembrance and carry deep meaning for serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Visit our website to find out more: https://lnkd.in/dydFH8c

A huge thank you to players of People's Postcode Lottery who have provided a £500,000 funding boost in support of RBL. The money raised by players will help us to continue our vital work supporting people like RAF veteran Naomi Hall. Naomi had a distinguished 16-year career in the military as a Senior Aircraftwoman, but her experiences in Afghanistan, coupled with a life-threatening car crash, saw her turn to us for help and support as she adjusted to life on civvy street. “The Royal British Legion supported me through mental health issues in the military, during transition to Civvy Street and then supported me after my accident, to help me through physically challenging periods - they have been incredible." Naomi, who has a 16-year-old daughter Natasha, still undergoes gruelling sessions with a personal trainer every week as she continues her recovery, but with the support of the RBL, she is looking forward to a positive future.

Born in 1962 to parents from Nevis and Jamaica, Sue Liburd’s roots are deeply intertwined with the Windrush generation, who answered the UK’s call to help rebuild the nation after the Second World War. After initially pursuing a career in nursing, Sue joined the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps in 1987 and served for seven years, following in the footsteps of her father and brother who both also served in the Armed Forces. Although no longer serving in the Army, Sue is a passionate advocate for the Armed Forces community and advises the government through her role on the Veterans Advisory Board. She is also one of the founders of the British West India Regiment's Heritage Trust (BWIRHT). Each year BWIRHT organises an annual commemoration, supported by RBL, honouring and commemorating the military service and sacrifice made by those from the West Indian Regiment and their modern-day descendants. “We take people who are serving, reservists and from the Armed Forces community, particularly from the Black community. “We take them to the different Commonwealth War Grave sites in Europe. We show and tell them, ‘The British West Indies regiment is here’ and they are now learning our history because they haven't learned it anywhere else.” Read more on Sue's story ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ew7GgBVT #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives

The Royal British Legion is pleased to announce the appointment of Vice Admiral (Rtd) Paul Bennett CB OBE as the charity’s new National President. Vice Admiral Bennett will assume the role in October, ahead of the Remembrance period. His first duties will be to represent the Royal British Legion at key ceremonial events in November, including the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, and the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Vice Admiral Bennett joined the Royal Navy in 1985. Following an extensive career at sea, including several roles ashore, he was recognised with an OBE for his work in Navy Command for Above Water Capability and Maritime Security. His final role before retiring from service in 2021 was as Chief of Staff for Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, after which he assumed a role as a NATO Senior Mentor. Vice Admiral Bennett’s appointment follows the passing of Sir Clive Johnstone KBE CB who held the role from May 2023 until May 2024.

As Alzheimer's Awareness Month comes to an end, we want to take the time to celebrate the incredible work of our Admiral Nurses, who go above and beyond to support carers of those with dementia within the Armed Forces community. Admiral Nurses are a lifeline for ex-serving personnel and their families, helping them maintain independence and quality of life. From home visits to tailored care plans, they equip carers with the knowledge, skills, and emotional support to navigate the challenges of dementia. Every day, people across the country rely on our Admiral Nurses. Here’s what some of them have to say about the difference it makes. For more information about support for carers, call us on 0808 802 8080.

This autumn, bundle up in your cosiest layers, bring your loved ones, and dogs, and join us for Poppy Walk - a 3km family friendly Remembrance walk. Take part in one of four picturesque parks, where you can lay a poppy tribute in honour of those who served: - Sunday 27th October, Sefton Park, Liverpool - Saturday 2nd November, Crystal Palace Park, London - Sunday 3rd November, Southampton Common - Saturday 9th November, Central Park Plymouth Entry is just £10, and kids go free! Plus, when you complete the walk you’ll earn a Legion Legend medal while helping us raise vital funds for veterans and their families. Sign up on our website todspklr.io/PoppyWalkLI

This week we were delighted to be recognised for our sustainability initiatives at the Charity Times Awards. Amongst a high calibre of competition, RBL and Poppyscotland won the Charity Sustainability Award for our plastic-free poppy - an innovative new design introduced ahead of the 2023 Poppy Appeal that is easily recyclable at home with paper and card. We were also rewarded with the Property Innovation Award for a pilot project delivering energy efficiency upgrades to our club properties Congratulations to our teams across the organisation who played a role in these projects that showcase our commitment to sustainability. #CharityTimesAwards