Royal British Legion

They did it! Our riders have crossed the finish line and officially completed Pedal to Paris 2024! Battling torrential rain and steep hills but never giving up, they cycled a phenomenal 460km from Danson House all the way to the city of love, collecting their medals before celebrating in style with a cruise on the River Seine. Together the team have raised £165,000 and counting to support those who have served and their families, keeping them in mind as they pushed themselves to the limit, and doing our Armed Forces community and themselves proud. We are so grateful for their admirable determination, resilience and generosity. We will make sure that your hard work has a life-changing impact. Please join us in applauding the #PedalToParis Class of 2024! 👏 Fancy joining them next year? Sign up now for Pedal to Paris 2025: https://lnkd.in/dzASRfei

Join our team of volunteers for London Poppy Day! Volunteers are taking to the streets on 31 October for London Poppy Day and you can join them to help raise crucial funds to support serving personnel, veterans and their families. Collections take place from 7am-7pm at 70 mainline and underground stations across London, with travel passes provided to volunteers. Apply to volunteer today and support the RBL Poppy Appeal ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e5_jQaTz

This story covers the topic of suicide that some people may find difficult to read. “Having lost a child to suicide I'm very passionate about supporting others who struggle with their mental health and wellbeing.” Next year Army veteran Trevor has been selected to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada. In 2014 Trevor's daughter Chloe died by suicide which led to him being medically discharged from the Armed Forces. “I wasn't there and it left a lasting impact on me,” he says. Trevor now works as a mental health advocate for HM Revenue and Customs while also helping to give presentations on behalf of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide - a charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide of young people. “I've been there and done it - I've been through the trauma so I know how it affects people,” he says. “If coming across a person struggling with suicidal thoughts you have to tell them they are loved, they have loads to live for and the world is a better place with them in it. “I always say to myself, Chloe didn't die for nothing, she died for something and that's me making sure that this story gets out.” If you need someone to talk to, you can reach out to the Samaritans at 116 123. They offer a compassionate, confidential ear, and are there to help when you need it most. RBL are also here to help anyone who needs help either directly or indirectly by guiding you to the right place for support. You can reach our team on 0808 802 8080 from 8am - 8pm and calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks. You can also use our online chat service or email us on [email protected].

Last year we launched our Credit their Service campaign, calling for an end to the unfair treatment of military compensation as income by welfare benefit means tests. One year on our Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns, John Williams, reflects on the progress made so far and the work that is still required to ensure all recipients of military compensation are treated fairly when seeking support.

“I’ve always done everything I can, alongside my mum, to fundraise and donate in whatever way we can, be it collecting donations on London Poppy Day or by playing the poppy lottery and participating in the London Poppy Walk.” Sophie is one of our outstanding London Poppy Day volunteers, who joins us on our biggest fundraising day in the calendar each year to raise vital funds to support our Armed Forces community. With both parents serving in the Royal Navy, service is close to Sophie’s heart. When her parents’ marriage broke down and the costs of family life became overwhelming, they turned to RBL. “My mum was struggling with the cost of living, and she was advised by a friend to seek help from RBL as she was a veteran. She contacted RBL and received a 1-1 interview at home, discussing her situation. From here, she was assigned to a contact at Citizens Advice who looked more in depth into her finances and helped deal with her debt. “RBL also supplied £200 worth of supermarket shopping vouchers per month, as well as £50 vouchers every month for 6 months as pocket money for myself. “It was like a weight being lifted.” On Thursday 31st October Sophie will join thousands of dedicated volunteers, service personnel and supporters at 70 locations across London for London Poppy Day, Europe’s largest single-day fundraising collection, collecting donations and distributing poppies. As a Sector Commander, Sophie oversees all fundraising activity across Heathrow Airport. She told us that it’s important to her to give back after RBL offered her family a lifeline in times of need. “Without the help of RBL, I’m not sure where we’d be, and I am eternally grateful for their help and support.” Why not join Sophie, 1,000 military personnel and a further 1,000 veterans, volunteers, and supporters and volunteer for London Poppy Day? Find out more: http://spklr.io/LPDRegLI #PoppyAppeal #LondonPoppyDay #Volunteering

We are delighted to have been a part of an initiative which will further support our veterans in the community. Thank you to UK Men's Sheds Association for your amazing work in this partnership.

“We are proud to have reached a 15-year milestone working for the RBL. It has been an honour and a privilege to have served our veterans with compassion and love. “It is a small token from us compared to what they gave to our country, and we endeavour to show our gratitude in the care and compassion we deliver to our residents.” Please join us in celebrating our colleagues from our Maurice House care home on receiving their Long Service Awards! Polly, one of our incredible carers, and Angie, the Residential Lead, have both dedicated 15 years to the home. They told us that they have a sense of pride going home, knowing they’ve made a positive change to someone’s day. And a special mention goes to Amanda, whose remarkable 35-year journey at Maurice House has seen her grow from a carer to her current role as Wellbeing Lead. Congratulations to Angie, Amanda, and Polly. We are immensely grateful for their commitment and hard work, which have helped make Maurice House a welcoming community for ex-servicemen and women as well as their spouses.

The Royal British Legion and EFL (English Football League) were thrilled to host the RBL Football Cup at RBL’s Recovery Centre in Lilleshall over the weekend. Veterans, serving personnel, and their families came together for a weekend of camaraderie, competition, and connection, with eight teams taking part in this inspiring two-day tournament. This event was more than about the unifying power of football —it was also about reconnecting with the camaraderie many veterans miss and giving mental health a boost through staying active. Plus, it was a chance to explore RBL’s support services, from adaptive sports to theatre and art. Together, we're proud to champion recovery and community, helping veterans reconnect and thrive through the power of team sports.

Could you help us raise crucial funds this Poppy Appeal by collecting donations and distributing poppies on London Poppy Day? Join Europe's largest single-day fundraising collection and show your support for our Armed Forces community. Taking place on Thursday 31 October we'll be bringing together 1,000 military personnel and a further 1,000 veterans, volunteers, and supporters as part of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Whether you're a veteran or a civilian, and can spare two hours, or the whole day we’d love to hear from you. Join us at one of 70 locations across London for a fantastic day of fundraising and community spirit, and a unique opportunity to interact with military personnel. Find out more and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ePVJV_v2

Today marks 79 years since VJ Day, marking the surrender of Japan and effectively ending the Second World War. Join us in remembering the contribution of all British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces in the Far East, without whom the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today would have not been possible. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We look forward to commemorating the 80th anniversary of both VE and VJ Day next year.