A vast network of RBL support for British ex-service personnel in Spain

THE Royal British Legion in Spain North is reaching out to expat ex-service personnel to raise awareness about the community support on offer to them.

Covering most of Spain and the Islands, at both branch and district level, RBL has caseworkers, hospital and housebound visitors and telephone buddies supporting its beneficiaries.

Christine Walden of Community Support, District North, said: “Many people still don’t know that The Royal British Legion is here and is active and ready to offer help and support to any beneficiary who qualifies for help.”

Each case is dealt with in full confidentiality on an individual needs’ basis by the relevantly trained people, and where RBL is unable to help, it can sign post people to another source of support.

Christine added: “We will assess and consider requests for help for qualifying beneficiaries or family members, this does not always mean a financial payment, it could be guidance in whereto get information or how to access social services.

“We are often asked about things such as how to get a Blue badge, home help, meals on wheels amongst others, and we can guide people to where they need to go.”

RBL is often the liaison between the beneficiary and their regiment, ship or unit when help is delivered. This can be as simple as safety features in a bathroom, or a mobility scooter, a red button alarm in the home for peace of mind, a walking frame or other equipment.

If you need help, contact District Welfare Co-ordinator for Spain north, Pam Twissell Cross on 676451780, Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, email: spainnorth.communitysupport@RBL.community.

Christine added: “If you think someone you know may have served and needs some support encourage them to contact Pam as we cannot contact anyone directly without their permission, and we cannot discuss anyone’s individual circumstances with a third party until we have their express permission to do so.”

If you would like to volunteer with RBL contact: tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. New caseworker training will take place on July 1 and 2.

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Written by

Joe Gerrard

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