On this page you will find information about:
- The impact of social isolation on those in the Armed Forces Community.
- Opportunities to meet people through the Royal British Legion (RBL).
- Loneliness support for currently serving and ex-service personnel.
Many people struggle with feeling lonely even when they are around others. This is seen especially in the Armed Forces community as many parts of the lifestyle can contribute, including:
- higher number of transitions between roles and locations
- the culture of self-reliance and avoidance of 'weakness', and
- long periods of separation from loved ones when away working, but also from colleagues after discharge or while on leave.
Connecting with others can help us feel better able to cope with the struggles we face. While some people are perfectly happy spending time alone and feel recharged by solo quiet time, if time alone feels isolating, heavy or uncomfortable then reaching out can help.
Support from the Royal British Legion
There are many ways to meet like-minded people through the Royal British Legion. Together, we can build communities, and combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
RBL Membership
The Royal British Legion has 180,000 members who enjoy the hundreds of branches across the UK and overseas. There are local branches, county branches, overseas branches and even national branches that aren't restricted by location but instead grouped together based on their shared interests.
Membership is open to everyone. As a member, you will also hear the latest news, events and stories from our Legion magazine and e-newsletters.
Learn more about becoming a member of the Royal British Legion.
Women's Section
The RBL Women's Section was formed in 1921 with the initial aim to safeguard the interest of widows and families of ex-service personnel. It aimed to provide a way for women to be a part of the British Legion and widen its activities in the process. Over a hundred years since it was established, the Women's Section continues to thrive and evolve. Membership is open to all, not just widows and family members, and it enables people to participate in social, fundraising, and welfare activities through its network of branches and clubs all over the country and overseas.
Find out more about Women's Section membership.
Local Branches
RBL has Local Branches across the UK and overseas. These branches help individuals meet other people in their local area, tackling problems like loneliness and isolation.
Search for local branches near you.
National branches
With no geographical boundaries, our national branches bring together members with a variety of passions from across the UK. The national branches include the LGBTQ+ & Allies Branch, the RBL Riders branch and the National Memorial Arboretum branch to name just a few.
Explore the RBL National branches
Get in touch
For help or enquiries with your membership, or to become a member, contact us via:
Telephone UK: 0800 307 7773
Telephone Overseas: 0207 191 1091
Email: [email protected]
Lines are open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Legion Clubs
Legion Clubs are social venues that often have a bar facility. They sit as a great opportunity for members to meet new people and take part in a range of activities. They are independent businesses separate from the RBL itself but still might have close associations with their local branches.
You must be a member of the Royal British Legion to join a Legion Club. Membership of a Club is entirely separate from that of the branch (although the two usually consist largely of the same people.)
To join a Legion club, first join a local or national RBL branch and then contact your local club for more information.
Learn more about Legion Clubs.
Branch Community Support (BCS)
Some RBL Branches take part in the BCS scheme which aims to deliver a range of support to the Armed Forces Community. The activities provided as part of the scheme include:
- RBL Awareness Events - coffee mornings, picnics, BBQs, afternoon teas, community fun and activity days.
- Telephone Buddies - giving individuals the opportunity to talk to someone, experience companionship and be part of the community.
- Home & Hospital Visitor - volunteers can give individuals an opportunity to talk to someone, experience companionship and be part of the community.
- Bereavement Support - providing a sense of comradeship, being present at a funeral and helping with requests for RBL representation.
- Local Touchpoints - providing information to people in the community at outreach sessions and directing people to where they can access help.
If you would like to access support through our BCS scheme, please get in touch with us using the contact details below.
Get in touch
The RBL offer support to those who are serving, ex-service and their dependents, after just one day of service and continually through life.
To find out more about the support the RBL could offer you, contact us via:
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Telephone overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080
Calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks
Email: [email protected]
Our team is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Take part in the Bravo 22 project
Bravo 22 Company is a recovery-through-the-arts programme for ex-serving personnel in the Armed Forces community. Through their art workshops and online regular 'Have a brew with Bravo 22' Zoom call, Bravo 22 is a great way to connect with other like-minded people while developing your creative hobbies.
Read more about Bravo 22 and how to get involved.
Get in touch
If you would like to get involved with Bravo 22, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Keep up to date with Bravo 22 by visiting their social media pages:
Volunteering
As well as making a huge difference to people's lives, volunteering with the Royal British Legion can help you meet like-minded people and make friends while getting involved with your local community. Roles include volunteering during the Poppy Appeal, volunteering in your local RBL care home and cheering on fundraisers as they take on challenges across the UK.
Find out more about volunteering with the Royal British Legion.
Branch Community Support (BCS) Scheme
The Branch Community Support scheme is run by some RBL Branches to deliver a range of activities for the Armed Forces Community.
The scheme helps RBL members to volunteer in their community in a number of roles including:
- at Royal British Legion Awareness Events
- Telephone Buddies
- Home & Hospital Visitor
- Bereavement Support, and
- Local Touchpoints.
Volunteering in these roles can help you feel a sense of connection with your community and the people around you, while also helping them feel the same.
If you are part of a Royal British Legion Branch and want to be involved in this project, please contact your Membership Engagement Officer (MEO) for more information about how to register.
Learn more about the Branch Community Support Scheme and how to get involved.
Join an RBL band
Joining community groups around a hobby or passion can be a great way to meet people with shared interests. There are over 50 Royal British Legion (RBL) bands around the country, including Youth bands that younger members can join.
Learn more about RBL bands and how to join one.
Finding LGBTQ+ Community Networks in the Armed Forces
Having a supportive community to connect with helps us thrive throughout our lives. These networks help by providing community, support and camaraderie.
Support for Currently Serving Personnel
As ever, if you are still currently serving and you are facing feelings of social isolation or loneliness, there are many options available to you so seek support. While the RBL is here for all currently serving and ex-service personnel, and their families, you might also want to seek support in your immediate surroundings. One of your first port of calls can be your Line Manager, but if you feel uncomfortable doing this there are many alternative options.
Tri-Service Support in person
If you are currently serving and would like to seek support in person, there are many options available to you. You can:
- Talk to your Line manager.
- Reach out to your Padre or Chaplain who will support you whether you are religious or not.
- Visit your Defence Medical Centre (DMS) - The welfare centre on your base will be able to support you, or alternatively Serving Personnel can approach any DMS.
- Visit a unit welfare centre - RAF and Army often have HIVE centres.
- Get involved with internal diversity networks.
Tri-Service Online Support
Togetherall
Togetherall is an online community that is moderated by professionals. It allows people to post anonymously to ask for advice, help others through their shared understanding or just by reading what others are saying so they feel less alone.
Learn more, including how to register, on Togetherall's website.
Headspace
Headspace is a mental wellbeing service that teaches people who to manage everyday emotions including stress, anxiety and sleeping problems. Headspace offers free use for military personnel.
You can go to your local HIVE (Army and RAF) for access or you can apply using the links below depending on which service you work under.
Support for family members
Qwell
Qwell is an NHS-funded service that allows you to message a professional for advice, talk with a community online or access self-help resources. You can access the service without any waiting list or referral needed, and it is fully accredited ensuring there is a professional helping you.
Visit the Qwell website to learn more about the support they provide and how you can access it.
Other Opportunities
In addition to the groups listed above, there are many other smaller local networks which you may be interested in joining. Many of these groups are organised by other provides outside RBL and have an online presence through social media websites like Facebook.
Some of these opportunities are tailored particularly for people in the Armed Forces community, while others that are more general can still spark valuable social connections.
The Ripple Pond: Support for family members of those physically or psychologically affected by their time in the Armed Forces
Support from The Ripple Pond
The Ripple Pond is a charity that supports adult family members of people who are physically or psychologically affected by their time in the Armed Forces. They believe in chosen family, and will support anyone over the age of 18 including partners, siblings, parents, friends and carers.
The Ripple Pond supports people through:
- Specialist one-to-one sessions
- Peer support groups, including 14 different regional chats
- Talks and event
- Employment Support
- Signposting
Their peer support groups help connect people going through similar situations, empowering them and making them feel less alone.
Complete their online application form to become a member and receive support from them.
Learn more about The Ripple Pond on their website, including how they can help.
Breakfast clubs
There are a number of Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs that regularly take place across the UK and wider world. These work to provide an opportunity to meet other like-minded people, all while having some tasty food.
These clubs are free to join and free to attend, all you need to do is turn up, pay for your meal, and connect with others.
Find an Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club near you.
Finding community groups for currently serving and ex-service women
Women have played a significant role during times of conflict for hundreds of years and continue to do so in HM Armed Forces today. Whether you are currently serving, transitioning into Veteran life, or already living as an ex-service person, you are entitled to be part of the community and to access support programmes.
Explore our guidance on finding a community group for currently serving and ex-service women.
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