The Branch Community Support (BCS) scheme is run by Royal British Legion (RBL) Branches. It aims to deliver a range of activities to support the Armed Forces Community.
The programme was created to assist Branches who were already doing this valuable work, building on the foundations they have already created within their local communities.
The Local BCS supporters can provide telephone support or provide home or hospital visits if need be. They may with your agreement refer you to the RBL contact centre on 0808 802 8080 which is open 7 days a week
Phone Buddies
There are currently three of us undertaking the BCS role, as phone buddies, and have had contact with three local Derbyshire /Notts veterans. One whom has then been encouraged to attend our meetings. The other two unfortunately are housebound so we provide a good ole chat via the phone.
Our beneficiaries contact a central number and are triaged as to the type of support they need, and are directed to the local membership team whom then contact us.
I can say that all the team have had positive feedback from our beneficiaries, just having someone to chat to.
I have been in contact with the local MEO as we have 5 volunteers ready to apply and undertake the recruitment process and complete training.
If anyone would like support locally please call the contact centre on 0808 802 8080, there are supporters elsewhere if you would find it difficult to talk to someone from the local branch. If not have a chat with Ann, James or Rachael at a meeting.
Local BCS Reps
Long Eaton Branch currently have 4 local BCS reps, with hope for more to complete the training.
The Local BCS reps can provide telephone support or provide home or hospital visits if need be. They may with your agreement refer you to the RBL contact centre on 0808 802 8080 which is open 0800-2000 7 days a week
RBL - Branch Community Support (BCS) (britishlegion.org.uk) , who can provide other support and links to lots of other services working with the RBL., or
you can contact the veterans gateway outside of these hours 0808 802 1212. Both websites have phone numbers, live chat and email facilities to contact them also.
There's lots of support available to you, we can help you access it and provide you with support locally.
