A message from Antony Baines, Royal British Legion interim Director General:
For many the festive period can be incredibly challenging. Far from being a time of coming together and celebration, the holiday period can exacerbate financial worries and feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
While service people face the same pressures as others at this time of year, many must also deal with the unique challenges linked to their military service, from combatting physical and mental injury, to being stationed away from friends and family and mourning loved ones lost to conflict.
The Royal British Legion is urging serving and military veterans and their families, who are finding it hard to cope over the festive period and beyond, to contact us to get the support they deserve. It is the least we can do to repay them for the sacrifices they have made and are still making for us all.
Our network of members and supporters means we can reach people of all generations within the Armed Forces community to offer companionship, financial and moral support and a friendly ear.
The Royal British Legion is working with partners to deliver 24/7 support for serving and veteran military personnel and their families over the Christmas period. Royal British Legion phone lines are open from 8am-8pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. To contact the Royal British Legion call: 0808 802 8080.
If you need help outside of our opening hours, our partners at Veterans’ Gateway are available 24/7 on 0808 802 1212.