Thank you for becoming a Poppy Supporter.
As part of our promise to you, we’ll be providing regular updates about the work you help make possible. This will include stories from people you’ve helped, behind the scenes information about the Legion team delivering this vital support, and invites to meet some of these very special people.
Please check back regularly for exclusive updates, videos and news about the difference you are making to the Armed Forces community.
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How your support changes lives
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Meet Craig
Craig Avatt joined the Rifles at age 27, but his military career was cut short just a few years later by an injury sustained while out on exercise.
After being medically discharged, he faced an uncertain future. His injuries made it hard for him to find work, and the situation was made worse after an assault leaving him with broken ribs, a broken jaw, and a stab wound in his leg. His medical problems, wounds from the assault, and PTSD severely impacted his mental health.
Thankfully, he called the Royal British Legion’s helpline. Craig was assigned a Case Officer and together they worked to get him onto a better path, starting with vouchers so he could afford to buy food. He needed somewhere to call home, so RBL helped him secure – and furnish – his own place, as well as supporting him to appeal for compensation for his injuries sustained in service.
Throughout all of this, Craig was keen to further educate himself, ready for employment. RBL helped Craig to obtain his Security Industry Authority (SIA) license so that he can begin a new career and look ahead to a brighter future when he is ready.
Craig says that this support has made an immense difference. “I can’t even put into words how much RBL has helped me out, and how they’re still helping me out. Any time I’ve asked for help, the Legion has always come back ten-fold,” he says. “It’s been a whirlwind these last 18 months, but I’ve got a big smile on my face now. If I hadn’t contacted RBL I have no idea where I would be today.”