Royal British Legion

“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.

“I have always known that I wanted to be a nurse, but I also wanted something more.” Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Iqra Shahzadi relocated to the UK at the age of 10 - a move filled with both opportunities and challenges. “Communication was a huge barrier, and school wasn’t always the best experience,” Iqra admits. But she dedicated herself to mastering English, even spending a summer homeschooling herself on YouTube. Pursuing a military career was uncommon for someone who grew up in a South Asian family, but Iqra found reassurance in the values of the British Army which aligned with her upbringing - Courage, Discipline, Respect for Others, Integrity, Loyalty and Selfless Commitment. As a woman who wears the Hijab, she vividly remembers the initial challenges she faced when joining the Army. However, she did not let this define her. “I had to educate people. Just because I wear a Hijab doesn’t mean I’m not competent.” Iqra also found support from inspirational women she was serving alongside and has gone on to be a Combat Medical Technician and complete a three-year nursing degree to become a military nurse. Remembrance holds a special place in Iqra’s heart, both as a value instilled by her military career and as a personal commitment. She passionately believes in learning from the past and honouring those who have paved the way. “During the World Wars soldiers from the Commonwealth fought alongside their British counterparts for liberty, with some paying the ultimate sacrifice,” she says. “It is incumbent on us to keep striving for knowledge and finding better ways of doing things, we owe this to generations to come.” This South Asian Heritage Month we remember those personnel of South Asian descent who have proudly served in the Armed Forces, and thank them for their courageous and noble sacrifice. We are so grateful to Iqra for her remarkable service and trailblazing, despite the various challenges along the way. https://lnkd.in/eWBX3UkE #SAHM24 #FreeToBeMe

Exciting news: I'm beginning the search for two senior leaders to join the Royal British Legion Executive Board. First up is a brand new role of Executive Director – Digital, Data, and Technology. You will lead, build and develop high performing teams across our Transformation Management Office and Information Management and Technology functions, having accountability for the strategic leadership of our wider change and transformation programmes, whilst ensuring we cater for all of our potential digital first customers, supporters, members and beneficiaries. If you have significant senior experience with strong leadership and communication skills, you could be who we’re looking for. Please watch the film below and if you believe you can make a significant leadership contribution then I’d really encourage you to apply. In the next couple of weeks, we'll also be launching the search for our Chief Financial Officer - so watch this space! https://lnkd.in/ejbtNZGX #RoyalBritishLegion #CharityJobs #ExecutiveBoard #ExecutiveDirector #digital #data #technology

Will you ask your MP to commit to better supporting those who serve us? The election of MPs to a new Parliament and appointment of a new Government provides an important opportunity for us to ensure that our Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged because of their Service and receive the support they deserve. RBL and Poppyscotland's 2024 Manifesto outlines our top five priorities for the new Government to better support the Armed Forces community and ensure their contribution is more valued. Help us by writing to your MP and asking them to pledge their support: https://lnkd.in/eDS9BMKP

“I’m incredibly grateful to be a small part of an organisation that helps people in need.” Ellen is one of hundreds of volunteers who help us raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community all year round. When her husband suddenly passed away just before they were due to move to Cardiff, volunteering for the RBL became a lifeline and helped Ellen make new friends in her community. “I felt invisible but now I have a focus which gives me a sense of worth. “As a PAO, I’ve had the opportunity to hear how the RBL supports beneficiaries, and it makes me proud to be a small part of that assistance.” Since becoming a PAO, Ellen has learned many skills and says it has brought a lot of benefits to her life. “I’ve become a very good listener! Veterans have so many stories to tell. I’ve enjoyed the administration involved in collecting which has helped me retain computer skills I used to need before I retired. “It has been a lifeline for me. After my husband died suddenly, I faced multiple life-changing events: moving to Cardiff, retiring from a job I loved, and enduring lockdown. “I've met new friends and found my place in the community, which has greatly improved my mental health and self-esteem.” If like Ellen, you want to have a positive impact on veterans and their families, join our most important fundraising campaign of the year—the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal: https://lnkd.in/eA66kYPT