The Royal British Legion has brought Christmas cheer to members of the Armed Forces community separated from loved ones this December by hosting our first ‘Together at Christmas’ events in virtual festive ‘get togethers’.
At what can be a difficult time of year for many — especially as we continue to adapt to life with Covid-19 — we're here to support everyone in the Armed Forces community, both at home and abroad.
Through community projects such as our Telephone Buddy scheme, our membership which is nearly quarter of a million strong, and our 24-hour support line, we offer companionship, support, and a friendly ear to everyone in the Armed Forces community.
Our team is just a phone call away
Call us on 0808 802 8080. Lines are open from 8am-8pm every day.
Julian's story
Army veteran Julian joined one of our virtual get togethers from his home in Wales. He hopes to spend Christmas with his mum who he has only been able to visit once this year due to Covid-19.
Dennis' story
Throughout the pandemic, 94-year-old Dennis has volunteered to help lift the spirits of isolated and vulnerable people in his community, all whilst shielding himself.
Together at Christmas
The community initiative was launched in 2019 with the support of four generations of The Royal Family.
Her Majesty The Queen was accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince George to prepare special Royal British Legion Christmas puddings at Buckingham Palace with the aim the puddings would become the centrepieces of the of this year's Christmas get togethers.
And although Covid-19 meant that physical get togethers weren't possible in 2020, we delivered the special puddings to each person who attended the virtual get togethers, for them to enjoy over the Christmas period.
Serving overseas at Christmas
Rifleman Martin Skirth will spend Christmas apart from his family this year, so we sent them a special Royal British Legion Christmas pudding as part of our Together at Christmas initiative.
We're here to help
We want to let those in our community feeling the pressures of the season know we are here for them, whenever they need us.
We provide help and support to the Armed Forces community all year round, but Christmas can heighten people’s financial worries or feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation.
Although many people across society are affected by loneliness and isolation, there are specific life changes for the Armed Forces community that can make it worse including extended periods away from loved ones while serving, moving frequently with different postings, transitioning out of the forces, and losing contact with the people you served with.
