Who we help

Our welfare work continues to expand and diversify as the welfare needs of the population evolve. The current number of potential beneficiaries for our welfare services is estimated at 9.5 million. The mission of The Royal British Legion is to reach out to the 500,000 who we believe are in the greatest need.

During the last few years, the Legion has introduced new services and extended the reach of existing ones. We spend over £1.4 million a week on our welfare work and as a result, we can help around 160,000 people each year. People like Lance Corporal Peter Dunning Read Peter's story here and Gunner Mark Stonelake.

Here are some other examples of how we make a difference to those in the Armed Forces family.

Hester Wright

Hester Wright, 22, lost her husband, Drummer Damian Wright in an improvised explosion in Afghanistan in 2007, and has been assisted financially by the Legion.

Hester was one of the first to receive the Elizabeth Cross, which honours relatives of those who have been killed on active service, and she helped launch the Legion's Poppy Appeal in 2009.

"Nothing can replace Damian, but knowing the Legion is there to offer comfort and support has been a great help. I don't know what I would have done without their assistance. You don't expect to lose your husband at 20 and be left as a single mum. The Legion has helped me to come to terms with Damian's death."

Floyd Beckford

Floyd Beckford, 30, served in the elite Pioneer unit in the Royal Logistic Corps for four years. He was deployed to Iraq where he earned his Iraq campaign medal. Thanks in part to the emotional support from the Legion, Floyd is now employed as a coach driver, and feels he is getting his life back on track.

"I'm incredibly grateful to the Legion who stepped in at an uncertain time in my life. With guidance and encouragement I've been able to reassess my future and start to make things happen. It's easy to lose your way, and sometimes it's hard to get back, but with help from a charity such as the Legion, there's hope for all those who serve and have served for their country, even when they feel down on their luck, and can't see which way to turn next."

Mark Morgan

Mark Morgan, 30, a former Private in the Royal Regiment of Wales, served in both Bosnia and Northern Ireland.

After being discharged from the Army Mark suffered undiagnosed PTSD and eventually became homeless.  The Legion assisted with housing, secondhand furniture and white goods, and financial advice.

"I would be quite lost without the help of the East Sussex team at the Legion, and the many essential services the charity provides."

Read more of Mark's story and view our video interview.

Mrs Sheila Hunt

When Mrs Sheila Hunt, 85, needed help to install a new security device to her home, the Legion sent one of its friendly handymen, David. He noticed some loose bricks in the external wall and was able to replace them for her, as well as fitting a doorbell that Mrs Hunt could hear throughout the house.

It's these small things that make a crucial difference to people's lives. Since its launch in 2007, the Legion's handy van service has enabled thousands of older veterans or their dependants to stay independent in their own homes.

"I really do appreciate all that David has been able to do for me. Thanks to the Legion, I now know I can get that extra bit of help when I need it now that I'm living alone."