Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Force For Change programme
22 July 2023
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will award grants of up to £15,000 for community projects that reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.
If you would like to know more about the “Force for Change” programme, more information is provided on their website here: Force for Change programme.
Please do share this information with any community projects which may be eligible for support.
"Credit their Service" Campaign
22 July 2023
RBL have launched a new campaign, Credit their Service.
Armed Forces compensation (such as a War Pension) is often considered an income source when national and local benefit rates are calculated, whilst civil compensation is not. As a result, veterans and their families are often receiving less Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Discretionary Housing Payments, and Disabled Facilities Grants than they are entitled to.
We need your help to get the word out by asking your MP to support the "Credit their Service" campaign. You can do this by clicking here. Also, if you believe you or somebody you know has been disadvantaged by this problem, get in touch with us through this short survey, or email us at: publicaffairs@britishlegion.org.uk.
News from RBL Headquarters re Cost of Living Grants
25 January 2023
Because we know how tough times are now, especially with the large increases to the cost of living everyone is experiencing, we launched our cost of living grants programme. The programme was designed to allow us to assist those who needed help in a quick and easy way with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.
Officially launched back in October, it proved immediately popular — and we received more than 1,600 applications in the first two weeks alone. Although application rates have now steadied, we’re averaging around 290 applications a week, and as of 30th November a massive 3,274 applications have been received.
- We’ve contacted 85% of all applicants — our Contact Centre will be helping to process applications going forward to make sure the application rate remains sustainable Royal British Legion | Central News Dec 2022 | Issue 11 6
- We’ve exceeded £1 million of grants awarded • 87% of grants have been awarded as energy top ups
- 13% of grants consist of a variety of needs such as clothing, food, appliances, and furniture • The average energy top-up awarded is £140 a month.
- Average age of an applicant is 48 — youngest aged 19, and most senior 100 years old
- 94% of people who provided feedback on the application process rated it either 4 or 5 stars.
We’re monitoring the application volumes and the value awarded closely. All new applications submitted after 1st December will initially be considered for six months of support for energy costs on their first application. This is to make sure that we can help as many people as possible, bearing in mind the cost of living will likely cause great hardship for a few years yet.
We’ve also commissioned an internal audit on the initial month of the programme’s delivery to provide assurance that we have robust governance processes in place.
The programme is open to anyone who is eligible for our support who is struggling to pay for items and services they need. Visit our Cost of Living Grants page on the Royal British Legion website to apply online.
Do you know someone who needs or may need help from The Royal British Legion?
14 August 2022
Times are getting tough so don’t forget that the Royal British Legion is here to help past and present members of the Armed Forces and their families. Support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over. Help is just a phone call away on 0808 802 8080. Calls are free and lines are open 8.00am to 8.00pm every day of the week.
British Legion Branches can also give small one-off crisis payments.
Bishop's Stortford Branch contact: BishopsStortford.Secretary@rbl.community or phone 07804 778036.
