Royal British Legion launch network of drop-in centres

The Royal British Legion has launched a network of drop-in centres and hundreds of community outreach hubs to help thousands more people as part of the biggest transformation in its 93-year history.

The charity is opening 16 “pop-in” advice and information centres in major towns and cities across the UK as part of changes to how it delivers support to the public and members of the Armed Forces.

Research in 2005 and 2010 into the personnel within the Armed Forces and their long-term needs found that members felt it was difficult to get they help they wanted, either because of not knowing who to ask, what services were available, or because information was hard to access.

The Royal British Legion has since set up a website to offer information on its services, with live web chat, and a contact centre to offer people advice, as well as the drop-in centres.

Chris Simpkins, the Legion’s Director General, said: “We know the total number of the Armed Forces community is set to decline, yet the demand for Legion support is predicted to increase, as the population ages and our beneficiaries’ needs become more complex, especially amongst those leaving the Forces and those who are wounded, injured or sick.

“We used our research to set a course to modernise the Legion, to meet changing needs and become easier to find – both online and in person – positioning our services closer to where our beneficiaries live. We will be more accessible, quicker to respond and extend our reach in the communities who need us most.

“The Legion should be the first port of call in any circumstances throughout life for service personnel, veterans and their families.”

Five of the drop-in centres – in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Southampton – open tomorrow.

For more information, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/popin

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