RBLI Impact Report 2021 by RBLI

2020 – 2021

I M PAC T REPORT

CONTENTS 2

INTRODUCTION

FOREWORD BY OUR NEW CHAIRMAN

KEY FOCUS 2020-2021

HOW WE HELP

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

FUNDRAISING DURING A PANDEMIC

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW: CENTENARY VILLAGE

UNITING SUPPORTERS THROUGH TOMMY CLUB

HARRY KANE AND LEYTON ORIENT FC

TOMMY FUNDRAISING EVENTS

CORPORATE SUPPORT: BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS & SHEPHERD NEAME

MANUFACTURING: SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST

TIRTHA’S STORY

MANUFACTURING: BRITAIN’S BRAVEST

KEEPING BRITAIN MOVING DURING THE PANDEMIC

NEW INITIATIVES

AWARD-WINNING PARTNERSHIPS

PROVIDING ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS

JASMINE’S STORY

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

THE RBLI VILLAGE EXPLAINED

SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND EXPANDING FACILITIES

A LEADING SUPPLIER OF DEMENTIA SUPPORT

DAVE’S STORY

LIFEWORKS

EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS

FRIENDS OF RBLI

OUR PEOPLE

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

INTRODUCTION BY STEVE SHERRY CMG OBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

It has become almost a cliché to describe the events of the last 18 months as unprecedented. But there remains no better word to decribe the challenges we have faced as a charity, the response from our team, and also the overwhelming support we have received.

Without doubt, there have been unprecedented pressures placed on all areas of RBLI. Our social enterprises have experienced extraordinary new demands due to the pandemic, while at the same time they have had to battle never-before-seen fluctuations in raw material prices. Meanwhile, our LifeWorks programme, which has provided support to more than 3000 veterans and their families since its inception, quickly adapted to an online delivery model for the first time in its decade-long history. Our committed care staff have also faced unbelievable pressures – perhaps more than anyone – in their care of elderly veterans in our Aylesford village. Our carers took on the challenge valiantly, ensuring that those we support were comfortable and remained independent at a time when it was vital to do so. And while these unparalleled events have presented their challenges, and asked the very best of our team, as I hope you will see in this report, we have also still provided an unprecedented level of support during this challenging period. Our Centenary Village project moves forward full steam ahead, building homes for our country’s heroes – rising out of the ground at a truly inspirational rate. Our committed league of donors who have so far made this nationally significant project possible, have made every effort to accommodate the changes in circumstances, including bringing sizeable payments forward.

Likewise, the refurbishment of our highdependency care home, Gavin Astor House, is on track and due for completion this winter, thanks to the versatility of the home’s care team. Meanwhile, our long-standing social enterprise customers have returned to procure more of our first-rate products, providing our team with worthwhile employment opportunities during lockdown. Thanks to their industry-leading training, our factory’s teams have gone above and beyond – working with customers outside of their typical spaces to provide Covid-specific signage products to help other businesses remain open. What has become more apparent than ever over recent months is that, even in times of difficulty, our commitment to supporting those who need it most is unwavering. RBLI continues on its mission to improve lives every day – by both widening and strengthening its range of services. It is our responsibility to ensure that we are there for another century. As always, if you want to get involved with our wide-range of fundraising activities, wish to support the current expansion of our village services, or you yourself are a veteran or person with disability in need of support, please feel free to contact us. You can find contact details on page 62.

STEVE SHERRY CMG OBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

FOREWORD It is with great pleasure and a lot of pride that I take the helm of RBLI at such an important point in this charity’s great history. In the two years that I have served as an RBLI Trustee, I have been continually overwhelmed by the tremendous strides our charity takes to better its services and the positive impact it has on the lives of the many thousands of people it supports each year. Since the establishment of the 10-year strategic plan ‘to Improve Lives Every Day’, the charity has remained steadfast in its approach to those we support, taking a person-centred, individual approach. As our services continue to grow at an expansive rate, we can look forward to improving the lives of many more thousands of individuals in the future, giving them a second chance at life. STEVE ROWBOTHAM Chairman

OUR MISSION

BY STEVE ROWBOTHAM RBLI’S NEW CHAIRMAN

KEY FOCUS 2020-21 • To improve lives every day • To create leading veteran communities with the best accommodation and a full pathway of support towards independence • To further develop our work, health and training businesses and work with partners to ensure people with disabilities thrive in the workplace • To continue to provide first-class preemployment support to the military community across the UK • To build a 21st century social enterprise and employment academy that shows the power of social value • To raise our profile through funding, sponsorship, and events to maximise opportunities for our beneficiaries

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

Following the immense success of our centenary year in 2019, RBLI is continuing on its path to significantly expand the services we provide as well as the number of people we can support every year. This year, whilst bringing with it unprecedented challenges, has made ever clearer the importance of our charity’s activities and the need for a more comprehensive and holistic attitude towards supporting military veterans and people with disabilities. PROTECTING OUR PEOPLE

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

As the pandemic continued to affect all areas of our business and personal lives, RBLI’s primary objective was to keep our charity’s staff, residents and beneficiaries safe. We took a proactive, front-foot-forward approach to tackling the challenges brought about by the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns.

Whilst the past year has presented obstacles, we have continued to focus on what is fundamental to our activity – to build the basis for another century of leading support.

Our key objective was to forge ahead with our industry-leading services – enabling our beneficiaries to continue on their path towards independence.

From the lightningspeed construction of our Centenary Village development, to the expansion of training opportunities at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, our progress has been unwavering as we look towards a successful future.

THE NEXT 100 YEARS Having delivered our life-changing services for more than a century, RBLI is now committed to expanding our reach and wide range of services to build a basis of leading support for another 100 years.

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

HOW WE HELP RBLI LIVING

Our charity celebrates its milestone Centenary Year this year and is also mid-way through a 10year strategy for growth. RBLI has, over its 100 years, evolved a unique mix of facilities and holistic services that are helping disadvantaged veterans build a second life.

We provide homes for Armed Forces veterans and their families, at any stage of their life. Our accommodation can provide a temporary stepping stone or emergency cover for veterans and families, while they work towards independence. For others who need long-term support, we provide family housing, specially adapted homes for wounded veterans, an assisted living scheme and high-dependency nursing home with specialist dementia care. Residents are supported by our welfare team, via our holistic health and social care. They have access to benefits support, advice on managing health conditions and more, all designed to improve their overall independence. E M P LOYA B I L I TY S U P P O R T We support people with disabilities across Great Britain, ensuring they are not disadvantaged when doing their job. We also provide employment support for veterans who are struggling on civvy street. In Kent and Sussex, our Employment Services teams work to support local people gain the skills they need for work, as well as helping them find sustainable, relevant employment or volunteering opportunities. LIFEWORKS LifeWorks is our unique award-winning programme which supports veterans and the military community towards sustainable work and training. Delivered widely across the UK, both face-to-face and remotely, it gives individuals the tools they need to find work and helps them better understand the career and jobs market on civvy street.

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

B R I TA I N ’ S B R AVE ST M A N U FA C T U R I N G CO M PA N Y (BBMC) is RBLI’s social enterprise providing vital employment to Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities. The employment we provide gives them the necessary skills and support they need to regain their independence. Their skills and work ethic means we can manufacture high quality signs, wood-based products as well as deliver print, mail and fulfilment services, all to an exceptionally high standard. S COT L A N D’ S B R AVE ST M A N U FA C T U R I N G CO M PA N Y SMBC opened in June 2019, situated in the Erskine Veterans’ Village Estate in Bishopton, Renfrewshire. The location has been famous for supporting Armed Forces veterans since the darkest days of WW1, when many service personnel returned from conflict needing lifelong care and support. Today, the Estate is a vibrant veteran community providing accommodation and care for veterans in a village environment. The factory boasts state-of-the art technology and provides jobs and support to those brave men and women adjusting to life outside the military. Some may be learning to live with an injury or disability, others may need support adapting to civilian life.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE As RBLI reflects on a challenging year, the charity also looks forward as it continues its expansive plans to widen its services and support more veterans and people with disabilities than ever before.

2020-2021

Chief Executive, Steve Sherry with donors and supporters touring the latest work on the Centenary Village.

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

50,000+

22 vulnerable veterans moved from emergency accommodation into a more independent home

2,000 individuals join the Tommy Club to support military veterans through RBLI

NEW SUPPORTERS SECURED IN 2020/2021

29k

social media viewers for our VE Day 75 celebrations

£3.5m invested in Gavin Astor House to make it a leading dementia care facility

£1.15m spent on Centenary Village construction

£1m+

raised through sales of RBLI’s Tommy figures made in Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company

8,406

people with disabilities assessed and supported

£1.2m

annual turnover at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company

FUNDRAISING

BUILDING A BASIS FOR ANOTHER 100 YEARS OF SUPPORT

F U N D I N G FO R T H E C E N T E N A RY VI L L AG E I S AT A C R I T I CA L P O I N T Centenary Village will see our charity support hundreds more of the country’s most vulnerable ex-service personnel and their families every year.

RBLI’s Deputy Chief Executive, Lisa Farmer, speaks frankly about the impact of the pandemic on fundraising to complete the new Centenary Village.

With significant changes in society, come significant changes in fundraising. Our community fundraising projects, which before the pandemic were blossoming and reaching more people than ever before, suddenly had to change tack. We made the pre-emptive decision to move towards a digital fundraising model, to help us draw on our existing relationships and create new avenues to reach those who recognise the urgent need for veteran support. The symbol of this record-breaking activity, was, of course, the Tommy, which has become a truly national symbol of veteran support. The timing could not be more critical. Four years ago, we embarked on the most the significant project in our 100-year history. Building on the existing village, which is home to more than 300 veterans and their families, RBLI’s

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

Our committed Development Board, is working hard to rally support in our home county of Kent.

Through specially-adapted apartments, family housing and an assisted living home for older veterans – all of which surround a state-of-the-art community centre – we are building a community for veterans which will last for generations.

While our big gift programme may have taken a hit due to the economic situation, our new room sponsorship campaign has seen individuals and organisations from across the private and third sectors come together to keep this project moving forward.

Her Majesty the Queen launched the second phase of the development in 2019 – just a few months before the pandemic struck. Incredibly, construction has remained on schedule and the first homes of this phase are now almost ready for completion.

As the economic impacts of coronavirus look set to ripple for generations, military veterans – many of whom have life-changing physical and mental disabilities as a result of their service – will need support in firm place, now more than ever.

However, despite the encouraging progress made during the pandemic, the lockdowns and subsequent economic impact have sadly had a significant impact on our ability to secure the remaining funds.

As the country begins its recovery from the current crisis, I hope those veterans and RBLI can count on you for support.

Simply put; without further support, the Centenary Village dream won’t be fully achieved. That said, we have had overwhelming support from our existing supporters who have allowed us to reach the place we are now. Thanks to the flexibility and willingness to bring their donations forward shown by Greenwich Hospital, Oak Foundation, Annington Trust and the Royal Engineers Association, veterans the country over can still have hope for a new place they will come to call home.

To speak to Lisa or one of the team about supporting the Centenary Village appeal, please get in touch. EMAIL:

lisa.farmer@rbli.co.uk

TEL:

07766 544 393.

Military veterans need and will continue to need a lifeline to regain their independence. The Centenary Village is that lifeline.

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW: THE CENTENARY VILLAGE Wherever RBLI delivers and wherever we expand to, our village is always our heart. As the latest developments to our Centenary Village project come to fruition, we are so excited to see the difference they will make to people’s lives.

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Without doubt, the Centenary Village development is the most ambitious in our more than 100-year history. With more than 100 brand new units with a community centre and gym facilities, this will be a real community brought to life. This project is of national significance. The pandemic has only made clearer the the immense challenges vulnerable military veterans can face after their service. Our existing village, which provides a home to more than 300 veterans and their families, has been inundated with requests for incoming residents.

And through our Centenary Village we will be offering truly lifechanging support to hundreds more veterans and their families every year and into the next century.

A tranquil garden – donated to RBLI after winning gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – lies at the heart of our new Centenary Village.

This project requires £22m of investment, and thanks to a wide array of supporters – whom we simply cannot thank enough – we are currently at 85% of our target. This has enabled us to continue the construction of this life-changing development at pace, with the second phase due for completion in 2022. Whilst this is incredibly encouraging, we still need further support.

While we do everything we can to accommodate those in need, or refer them to our friends in the sector who also offer lifechanging support, it has been clear for many years that for us to continue to help everyone we can, then we must expand.

100+

70%

60%

new units designated for military veterans and their families

of people in care homes have dementia or memory problems

of the residents currently in our care are aged over 65

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

UNITING SUPPORTERS THROUGH TOMMY CLUB The Tommy Club is a revolutionary, national project set up at the height of the pandemic to provide vital support to military veterans. Tommy Club Champions from all over the country are coming together for one sole purpose: to support those who need it most.

At the height of the pandemic, we launched a revolutionary new project, the Tommy Club, to provide the whole nation with an opportunity to come together to support the military veterans who are most in need. Launched at the heart of our Kent village in October 2020, the project has gone on to achieve phenomenal success. In little more than a year, Tommy Club has brought together more than 1,600 people from all over the country, raised more than £165,000 for our wide range of vital services, and even secured England football captain Harry Kane as an ambassador. The club’s growing community of supporters, known as ‘Tommy Champions’, can achieve bronze, silver and gold status by completing fundraising challenges. Tommy Club has provided military veterans with meaningful work in our social enterprise factories, and brought in vital unrestricted funds which support our wide range of activities.

Club President, General the Lord Richard Dannatt, said: “Over recent years, the Tommy figure has become a truly national icon of veteran support, whether that’s for the many thousands around the UK have who bought one, or the injured veterans producing them in RBLI’s social enterprise. “The challenges of this year have affected us all and each of us face uncertainty. But what is certain is that the brave servicemen and women who served our country should not be left behind as the challenges continue. It is crucial that they are given the opportunities to work, to thrive, and to lead independent lives. This is what the Tommy Club can provide. “So I encourage you to join the Tommy Club, to support veterans into meaningful work, and ensure the livelihoods of those who were prepared to give their all for us.” To become a Tommy Champion and find out more about how you can improve the lives of military veterans, visit tommyclub.co.uk

Heather Stanning, Olympian and Tommy Club patron.

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Tommy Club champions secured in not much more than one year

£165k HARRY KANE AND LEYTON ORIENT FC England Captain, Harry Kane, became a Tommy Club ambassador in December 2020. Since then the Tommy Club has reached, 2,000 Champions and raised more than £165,000 for RBLI to change the lives of vulnerable veterans.

December 2020: RBLI’s Tommy Club had the tremendous pleasure to formally announce England Captain Harry Kane as an ambassador. This groundbreaking new relationship for our charity has significantly expanded our reach and reinforced to us that our mission is one that inspires and can truly change lives. As part of his long-standing relationship with London-based football club Leyton Orient, Harry has dedicated his shirt sponsorship to Tommy Club. This means that for the entirety of the 2020/21 football season, Tommy Club is proudly displayed on the O’s home shirt, providing vital exposure to a project that has achieved so much in a short space of time. Tommy Club President General the Lord Richard Dannatt said: “I am delighted that Harry Kane is helping to draw attention to RBLI’s Tommy and the

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Raised by Tommy Club champions since the project’s October 2020 launch

JOINING FORCES:

Tommy Club champions have received their silver awards

Tommy Club champions have received the coveted gold award

Tommy Club. I have been so impressed with all the thousands of people who have been putting their Tommies in the window this year. It will be fantastic to see this special edition Tommy figure in windows helping, once again, to improve the lives of our veterans. “RBLI’s factory has been able to stay open all this year – and only because of the public’s support for the Tommy. It is something our nation can feel very good about.” Harry Kane, England Captain and Tottenham Hotspur striker, said: “I am thrilled to be donating the Leyton Orient FC home shirt to Tommy Club. I am a proud ambassador of the charity and know how every new champion can make a difference. Together we can improve the lives of our nation’s heroes.”

age of the youngest Tommy Club Champion

Steve Sherry CMG OBE, Chief Executive at RBLI, said: “Harry Kane and Leyton Orient have developed a truly groundbreaking partnership which provides a whole new voice for worthy causes such as ours – and we are incredibly proud to be part of this for the upcoming season.” “Many of our country’s most vulnerable veterans need our support now more than ever, and Harry’s and Leyton Orient’s support will have a genuinely life-changing effect on the brave men and women supported by Tommy Club. We simply cannot thank them enough.”

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

TOMMY’S MINI MISSION WIN A BRAND NEW MINI FOR JUST £1 Thanks to the outstanding generosity of a valued Tommy Club Founding Patron, RBLI has embarked on its first national raffle, which gives supporters – old and new – the opportunity to win a brand new MINI. The new MINI 3-door hatch maintains iconic go-kart handling along with game-changing tech and a sleek design. Tickets are £1 each. Simply sign up at rbli.co.uk/car-raffle You will then receive an email notification that your transaction has been successful and that your raffle tickets will be entered into the draw.

IT’S ALL THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE

The funds raised by the raffle will go to support RBLI in building our Centenary Village project to create new homes and facilities for vulnerable people and their families. The raffle which is now open will run until 30th March 2022.

To be in with a chance to win, simply scan this QR code or visit: rbli.co.uk/tommys-mini-mission

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Barratt Developments are the Tommy Club’s leading corporate supporter.

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

FUNDRAISING CHALLENGES RBLI supporters pushed themselves to the limit in 2020/21 to raise funds for the new village.

TOMMY’S RACE TO VICTORY In what became RBLI’s most impactful fundraising challenge to date, a group of former and currently serving military personnel ran and cycled more than 800 miles from Glasgow to Kent in the run up to May’s VE Day celebrations to raise vital funds for RBLI. The team began at RBLI’s Scottish social enterprise factory, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, to our Kent village and home of Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. En route, the team of seven stopped off at key military locations gifting specially made Tommy figures to notable veterans of the local communities. 22

2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

year-old Chelsea Pensioner took part

£50k

raised by participants all over the UK

RIDE WITH A VETERAN All the while, they carried a specially made silver Tommy as a symbol of national unity in the run up to the World War II anniversary.

800 miles

Were ran and cycled by the team in just nine days

An 80-year-old Chelsea Pensioner was the oldest to undertake a 150-mile bike ride which raised almost £50,000 for RBLI in July. Former Royal Engineer Mike Atkinson took on our’ ‘Ride with a Veteran’ challenge which saw a group ride off from our charity’s Aylesford village, travelling all the way to the Meriden Cycling Memorial. Mike and the rest of the group were incredibly well supported with close RBLI partner Barratt Developments donating more than £10,000 to the cause.

150

miles cycled from Aylesford to Meriden

I’m doing all I can to support the ride, it’s such a good cause. The money is urgently needed to help veterans who have done so much for our country. MIKE 2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

TOMMY 10K RETURNS WITH HMS PRINCE OF WALES

VI TA L F U N D R A I S E R M O B I L I S E S O N C E M O R E A F T E R T H E PA N D E M I C In early 2020, as the pandemic took hold, we took the decision to move our community fundraising programmes into the digital space. The inaugural Tommy 10k which ran over the Remembrance period of that year mobilised supporters all over the country - more than 2,000 took part to walk, run or wheel 10 kilometres while raising funds for our charity’s vital services. The digital event proved an overwhelming success. A group of fundraisers from all over the UK came together to create a real community, which ended up raising a staggering £250,000 for our charity. Needless to say, as this was an early venture into the digital fundraising space for RBLI we were incredibly proud of its success. A year on, in October 2021, we had the tremendous privilege to launch the second Tommy 10k on the deck of one of the Royal Navy’s leading aircraft carriers: HMS Prince of Wales.

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WO2 Duncan Thornhill, HMS Prince of Wales’ Warrant Officer Caterer, supported last year’s Tommy 10km. He said: “I saw the advertisement on Facebook for the RBLI Tommy 10k and discovered a fantastic community made up of totally different people from all over the UK, with the same aim – to raise as much as we could. It’s a privilege to be a part of and when we managed to raise £250k, it was the icing on the cake. Why Prince of Wales for the launch? The ship is spectacular and is the perfect venue to launch this year’s amazing event.”

CORPORATE SUPPORT BARRATTS & SHEPHERD NEAME

B A R R AT TS CO N T I N U E T H E I R SUPPORT

S H E P H E R D N E A M E PA R T N E R S H I P EXTENDED

To mark their Patronage of Tommy Club and show their incredible commitment to veteran support, Barratt Developments erected over 300 Unknown Tommies in their developments UK-wide in time for RBLI’s VE Day celebrations in May 2021.

In October 2020, during one of the more challenging stages of the pandemic, Faversham-based brewery Shepherd Neame extended our charity partnership for an additional year in response to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

The money raised helped us support our veterans through the worst of the pandemic plus it provided vital employment for disadvantaged veterans. It was the perfect way to show Barratt’s incredible support of Armed Forces Veterans, and each Tommy is a fitting and proud representation of our incredible partnership in communities across Britain.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “In addition to raising money for this worthy cause during the year, we had hoped that our staff would be able to donate their time though volunteering opportunities at the RBLI Village.” “We were also planning to offer practical support for the RBLI beneficiaries in the form of work placements and mentoring at the brewery and around our pub estate. We hope that by extending our partnership, we will be able to accomplish this programme of activity in the coming months.” 2020/2021 IMPACT REPORT

MANUFACTURING: SCOTLAND

S U P P O R T I N G S CO T L A N D D U R I N G T H E PA N D E M I C After a short period of closure after the Covid-19 lockdown, we updated the workspace for the team at Scotland’s Bravest to prioritise their health and well-being. We invested in new washroom facilities and additional resources and equipment to minimise the risk to our employees. This also ensured that we were compliant with the safety guidelines promoted by RBLI along with the UK and Scottish governments. These measures alongside the dedication of our staff were surely important factors in having no coronavirus cases during the height of the pandemic. Keeping our team safe across RBLI has and will continue to be our fundamental priority. Our funders helped us throughout this period; The Big Lottery Community Fund Scotland, Kilpatrick Fraser, Cora – Community Wellbeing Fund, (Scottish Government) Supporting Communities, to mention only some, awarded us emergency funding, which ensured we could return, be more resilient, pivot our business, and safely reform.

Commercial success while socially thriving: Michelle Ferguson, Interim Managing Director of RBLI’s social enterprises, reflects on an impactful year for Scotland’s Bravest.

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It has been four years since Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company opened its doors to its factory in Erskine Veterans’ Village in Scotland. Its aims were simple; to help veterans and others with disabilities build their confidence, develop new skills in an environment which put their welfare and development at the forefront of decision making. The ambition was to build a state of the art factory with contracts that would enable the social enterprise to grow and form a reputation as a great place for employee development and a great team to do business with. Since opening we have grown to a team of nineteen, of those thirteen are either veterans or parent, partner or child of a veteran. In this last year production has increased dramatically, investment in new machines saw the social enterprise pivot into new commercial markets, and winning more contracts with major commercial and public sector organisations.

A major achievement, and one which the team across RBLI and SBMC have strived to accomplish, is the award of £298,995 from Forces in Mind Trust. This 3-year grant is to support and to evaluate the progressive employment training model of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company as a Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) approved training centre. Most importantly those veterans who we support will have the opportunity to achieve recognised qualifications during their time at SBMC which has been our ambition since applying for funding from the Big Lottery Community Fund for our Learning and Development Room.

SCOTLAND’S

It has been a significant year for Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. We worked safely through a pandemic and for the first time, we achieved a turnover in excess of £1 million. Our partnership with BEAR Scotland was awarded the UK Highways Partnership Award and we continue to successfully tender for new contracts. We have also improved our structures and vitally, our teams have formed trusting and supportive relationships. Most importantly, we are continuing to make a positive impact on those we support.

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TIRTHA’S STORY Tirtha Thapa dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Gurkhas. In 2005, in what was his fourth and final attempt, he had the honour of joining British Army’s First Gurkha Rifles, beating thousands in the selection process. Gurkhas played a crucial role in the Far East during the Second World War, particularly in South East Asia. Known for their courage, their curved 18-inch knife known as the kukri, and their worldfamous motto, “better to die than be a coward”, the Gurkhas were and remain an integral part of the British Army. During the Second World War, ten Gurkha regiments played a roles at the heart of conflicts across Asia and Europe. Nearly 30,000 British Gurkhas were killed or wounded during the war. More than 75 years later, Tirtha was continuing the hard-fought tradition of the Nepalese Gurkha soldiers. His seven-year service saw him undertake two tours of Afghanistan. It was his second, in 2010, when clearing suspected improvised explosive devices in an alleyway that he was caught in a blast and severely injured, losing his left leg above the knee.

He found the process of leaving the forces traumatic, facing loneliness for the first time in his life. But soon after, RBLI’s social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, gave him what he calls a second chance. Tirtha now works alongside five other former Gurkhas, all of whom share similar experiences of conflict. Together, they apply their wide range of skills developed during their service careers in BBMC’s sign manufacturing department. Tirtha, and the highly skilled team are motivated to win, take on new business and are respected throughout the country for the quality of their work. He refers to his new career at RBLI as his second life.

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B R AV E S T SINC E 1919

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MANUFACTURING: ENGLAND

B R I TA I N ’ S B R AVE ST K E E P T H E CO U N T RY R U N N I N G Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company demonstrates resilience and commitment during an unprecedented year. As a factory which has been providing vital working opportunities to military veterans and people with disabIlities for more than 90 years, we have developed a resilience unlike any other.

Our Kent-based factory also hosted Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s food hub, which provided critical food support to local vulnerable people during the Covid lockdown.

This last year has thrown up its challenges – as it has for all organisations. But we are incredibly proud to have continued to provide our services.

As always we have placed our people at the heart of what we do. As a result of this we look forward to a bright future, continuing to provide vital working opportunties to disadvantaged individuals.

Importantly, our core values and our committed customer base never wavered during this challenging time, and we even stepped outside of our typical areas of operation to provide a service to the local community and provide bespoke products to new customers. Our ongoing relationship with Barratt Developments – the country’s biggest house builder – which sees us produce a wide range of signage for their housing developments, has continued to flourish. This growing business relationship has profound effect on our team, providing direct employment to 11 military veterans and 20 beneficiaries in our Aylesford site with a health condition or disability. In line with the May 2021 anniversary of VE Day, we launched the VE Day Highways challenge, which encouraged customers old and new – to support military veterans through the procurement of BBMC’s signs. Thanks to support from McCanns, Chevron and Panatonni, who all signed up to the challenge, we have continued to produce signs at a truly remarkable rate, despite the challenging environment. As part of RBLI’s ongoing partnership with Shepherd Neame, the brewery enlisted our help to produce their social distancing signage.

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During the pandemic one of our veterans helped us design a number of garden products. This new range proved to be very popular and gave our team the opportunity to develop new skills. This success is a prime example of the ethos we have at Britain’s Bravest: that, regardless of the circumstances, we remain laser-focused in our personcentred approach.

Whilst continuing to produce our core products and services, the team have stepped up to provide vital services for the local community and businesses.

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B R AV E S T SINC E 1919

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KEEPING BRITAIN MOVING DURING THE PANDEMIC RBLI has been running a social enterprise in some form since WW1. At Preston Hall in Aylesford veterans began manufacturing veterans began manufacturing wooden toys and other products as part of a rehabilitation process for living with tuberculosis.

With the country experiencing record levels of unemployment in some sectors and industries, more than ever we are considering the multi-faceted benefits of being in work. In addition to the obvious financial stability that comes with employment, there is an often-overlooked sense of purpose that comes with providing something of benefit for society each and every day. This sense of purpose has been felt nowhere more than in the team working at our Kent social enterprise factory, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. Throughout lockdown, the team of veterans and people with disabilities at BBMC have been working in the midst of the crisis, producing essential products for ventilator transport, the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as signage for crucial infrastructure projects. As a result, the workforce – many of whom have lifechanging injuries – were declared key workers essential to the national supply chain.

S I G N S LO O K G O O D FO R T H E B R I TA I N ’ S B R AVE ST T E A M Our team of veterans and people with disabilities working at Britain’s Bravest are true industry leaders. Having produced signs for almost half a century, the team have risen to become leading manufacturers of road and rail signs, working with nationally significant customers such as Network Rail, Highways England and McCanns. And this past year this team has played a central role in ensuring Britain’s infrastructure kept moving and the transport system operational.

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During the pandemic, our signs team produced more than 150,000 railway signs – totalling more than 300 tonnes. The signs would stretch 240,000 metres or 150 miles — from our Aylesford base all the way to the historic Normandy beaches. This level of output doesn’t come about by chance — it’s only made possible due to the immense skills, commitment and ingenuity of our team. Together they work to generate revenue for the factory and in turn provide greater opportunities for their fellow veterans.

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NEW INITIATIVES:

PROVIDING A SENSE OF PURPOSE THROUGH MEANINGFUL WORK Thanks to more than £50,000 in funding from the National Lottery Covid-19 Emergency Fund, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company’s Leatherhead branch has undergone a significant expansion, allowing it to provide even greater working opportunities to our beneficiaries. The team of our Leatherhead factory, of whom 99% have physical or hidden disability, have already become established commercial leaders in the print, mail and fulfilment sectors. However, now, thanks to a cash injection, the factory has established a new textile development centre which will see our beneficiaries acquire a whole new set of skills whist developing another revenue stream for the social enterprise.

30,000

Tommies shipped out in 2020

150,000

miles worth of rail signage made during the pandemic

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The new centre, which features a direct-to-garment print machine, enables printing onto fabric such as tea towels and t-shirts. Adaptable sewing machines can be used to make make face masks, bunting, flags, bags and cushions. Importantly, the funding also helps provide additional project management capabilities with a focus on health and safety, ensuring that those who are vulnerable in our Leatherhead factory are still about to take part in upskilling activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Over 90%

of staff in BBMC Leatherhead have a physical or mental disability

veterans and community beneficiaries employed thanks to BBMC’s sign work

Tommy’s legacy has enabled the creation of rbli.shop where there is now a range of products including garden Tommies, stickers, pin badges, and wooden Tommies made in our social enterprise.

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AWARD-WINNING PARTNERSHIPS For such a recently established enterprise, the team at Scotland’s Bravest is already packing a real punch in the manufacturing space. A UNIQUE AND TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL MODEL Beneficiaries are provided with flexible medium-term contracts specifically designed to provide a supportive work environment for those facing challenges upon their return to the civilian world. Through progressive, upskilling plans, veterans at Scotland’s Bravest are given the tools they need to become industry leaders in the signage manufacturing space.

AND WITH THE CUSTOMERS TO PROVE IT Leading road maintenance and management company Bear Scotland was one of SBMC’s very first customers. Since their first purchase in 2019, more than 2,000 signs have been made and the relationship has blossomed.

beneficiaries have secured sustainable employment after their SBMC placements

£1.13m

39.342

in sales during the Covid-19 pandemic – an increase on the previous year

The largest sign the SBMC team have made to date

NQ Core and Workplace Skills to be delivered

For this they were recognised at the 2020 Highways Awards, winning the Highways Partnership Award for their ongoing relationship, which has resulted in the direct support of 13 military veterans. This foundational relationship has helped to build the Scotland’s Bravest team into a versatile and commercially successful enterprise. So versatile in fact they they were drafted in by organisations from across the public and private sectors – including the NHS – to produce their signage during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

We’re proud to support Scotland’s veteran community by offering relevant recruitment opportunities and support through the innovative social enterprise, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.

BEAR Scotland Commercial Director, Mark Godsell

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METEORIC RISE: In just three short years Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has become an industry leader providing vital support to the country’s ex-service personnel and their families.

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PROVIDING ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE LIVES EVERY DAY Thanks to overwhelming support from Forces in Mind Trust, SBMC will now be able to provide fully accredited qualifications for its beneficiaries.

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The programme will be led by a fully-accredited vocational trainer and will provide ex-servicemen and women at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company with recognised qualifications in manufacturing. A team at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), led by Lecturer and Occupational Therapist Shirley MorrisonGlancy, will conduct the independent evaluation to examine the impact of attaining a recognised SQA qualification, on long-term job prospects, confidence levels, work readiness, employability and the mental health of participants. The project will last for three years and will support up to 60 veterans.

SCOTLAND’S

SBMC’s approach and social mission will resonate with communities across the country and I for one would like to see it replicated elsewhere to give more veterans the opportunities they deserve. Scottish Veterans Commissioner Charlie Wallace

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SUPPORTING SCOTLAND’S VETERAN COMMUNITY

JASMINE’S STORY Fijian-born Jasmine joined Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company as the pandemic took hold.

Jasmine got in touch with SBMC to apply for a role at the heart of the factory’s supply and dispatch centre.

The former maths teacher, who worked in a secondary school on her home island for 17 years, was in the UK in November 2019 on a visiting visa to see her husband – an eight-year veteran of Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 Scots).

Since March 2021, as one of SBMC’s first military family members to join the dispatch team, Jasmine has played a central part in supporting the factory’s operations, ensuring that its products are sent out in a timely fashion to a wide array of customers.

He had himself worked at the social enterprise in its signs department, but due severe knee injuries was out of work for the time being.

Jasmine said: “I am very fortunate to have the chance to work at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.”

Then, as the country was plunged into lockdown, it became impossible for Jasmine to return to her home in the South Pacific.

In the past year, Scotland’s Bravest have branched out to start supporting the family members of military veterans. This new direction ensures that SBMC can have an ever greater impact in its mission to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland. 40

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I am really enjoying my time here and to have the opportunity to learn a whole new set of skills.

SCOTLAND’S

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CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

S T R I VI N G T O I M P R OVE L I VE S E VE R Y D AY

We are grateful as always to the bravery and openness of our beneficiaries, the commitment and compassion of our staff and volunteers and the generosity and support of our funders and supporters. This culture and spirit has been evident in staff, residents and beneficiaries alike. It has allowed us to support each other and continue to provide help and support to vulnerable veterans on the village, across the UK and on occasions further afield as we strive to deliver our mission of improving lives everyday. Our key priority throughout the pandemic has been to keep people safe. At an early stage we identified our most vulnerable residents and provided the care, support and infrastructure to keep them safe. Unfortunately we did have to deal with an outbreak in one of our care homes at the very outset of the pandemic, but we have been able to keep most of our village residents safe.

Will CampbellWroe, Director of RBLI Living, opens up about providing care on the front line and expanding our care facilities.

The past year for RBLI Living has been extraordinary. The impact of Covid-19 is inescapable and impossible to overstate. It has had a profound impact on the lives of our beneficiaries, our staff and our volunteers, partners and supporters. And while it has been a difficult time – for many the most difficult they can remember – it has, like any challenge provided the opportunity for innovation and growth, reminded us of the ties that bond us together. It has brought to the fore the overriding sense of community and willingness to support those in the greatest need.

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A good example of innovative thinking was the repurposing of our community café, Base Camp, to provide a mini supermarket for residents. This enabled us to provide low cost, basic foodstuff and household items for residents throughout the early stages of the pandemic. Across the village, when the shops were unsafe for our vulnerable residents, or items were unavailable, we could continue to supply pasta, cereals, drinks and toilet paper. Once our residents were safe we also made sure that we kept them active, engaged and supported, with welfare support to the most vulnerable residents on a weekly basis.

For those in our care homes where visiting was restricted by government legislation, we took action to keep residents connected to friends and family. We passed on email and video messages and thanks to the support of the National Lottery Community Fund, invested invested in technology to enable video calling for residents to talk to their loved ones face-to-face. We also encouraged school children from the local community to send messages and pictures to our residents. Our care homes and facilities are normally a hub of activity and community engagement and we had to be creative to ensure that the physical risks of Covid-19 didn’t create emotional trauma through social isolation. Despite the restrictions, we worked to provide one-to-one activities where we could. We invested in digital Rainbow Tables that allowed residents to play games and interact with residents in other homes in a safe and constructive way. We also introduced new ideas like laughing therapy. As the restrictions continued we invested in a visit pod to allow residents to see relatives and we always ensured that families could visit those who were nearing the end of their life, allowing those who passed to do so comforted by their families.

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It’s very comfortable here. I’ve made some good friends and most importantly my daughter knows I’m safe.

THE RBLI VILLAGE

The RBLI village is located near Aylesford in Kent and provides a full care pathway from emergency accommodation to high dependency care homes, including independent accommodation supporting veterans into a new life. Delivered through our STEP-IN support programme led by a dedicated welfare team, veterans and other residents are able to access a wide range of support including employability, financial and health/wellbeing activities. All this is provided within our unique village setting, with a variety of accommodation for every step of the way.

91-year-old former Royal Marine George Bradford, who leads armchair fitness sessions for his fellow residents in Queen Elizabeth Court.

1. BRITAIN’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING COMPANY provides employment for village residents, local veterans and people with disabilities. 2. BASECAMP is our community hub and cafe, which provides a place for residents, visitors and the local community to meet and relax.

3. GAVIN ASTOR HOUSE 24-care which has been refurbished to become a leading dementia facility

4. APPLETON LODGE is our new extra care facility offering respite care, dementia care and activities to support wellbeing.

5. RBLI GARDEN OF HONOUR commemorates those who have made the ulimate sacrifice and is a peaceful space where anyone can go to remember.

4 3

6. RBLI VETERANS APARTMENTS provide versatile, adaptive housing for single veterans as they move towards independence. 7. ASSISTED LIVING accomodation for those aged over 55 caters for those who have served in the Armed Forces, and their spouses.

8. MOUNTBATTEN PAVILION provides emergency homes for veterans.

9. FAMILY ACCOMODATION provides a variety of emergency and semi-permanent housing for Armed Forces families. 10. CAPEL MORRIS CENTRE is our multi-purpose venue used for conferences, community activities, training and events.

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SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND EXPANDING FACILITIES RBLI’s village is home to more than 300 veterans and their families. With a full care pathway – from emergency accommodation through to highdependency care – our intergenerational village provides a home to those who need it most.

Over the past year we continued to support vulnerable veterans through emergency and general needs housing with our STEP-IN support programme ensuring that we understood and met the core needs of our residents. The pandemic made it harder to support people’s individual progression through our support programme but we again found innovative ways to deliver core services to support physical and mental health and took the opportunity of fewer formal activities to talk to our residents and understand their individual and collective needs. This resident involvement gives us greater insight into what’s needed and what works for our veterans both individually and collectively. As the year and pandemic progressed we were able to support people into independent living and support veterans in the UK and those stranded overseas to enter our emergency accommodation and support.

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While the pandemic restricted some of our activities it did not dim our ambition to continuously improve our services. We worked hard over the past year to make sure that the systems and processes we use underpin the delivery of excellent services. In the second half of the year we had our first full CQC Inspection of Appleton Lodge, our 15-bed care facility.

We also have plans and funding in place to significantly increase the communal space at our existing assisted living home, Queen Elizabeth Court and to improve the facilities in our supported accommodation Mountbatten Pavilion following the request from residents for more fitness equipment and a covered outdoor communal area.

The outcome was that our services were assessed as GOOD in every area, the highest grade that can be achieved at first assessment with a clear indication that we would or could achieve an OUTSTANDING rating in some areas at our next inspection.

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BECOMING A LEADING PROVIDER OF DEMENTIA SUPPORT T H E N EW R E F U R B I S H M E N T AT G AVI N A STO R H O U S E WI L L PR OVI D E I N D U ST RY- L E A D I N G CA R E . We have also invested significantly in improving the physical infrastructure of the village. In the past year we have begun a long planned refurbishment of our largest care home, Gavin Astor House. This £3.5M investment will modernise the building, creating a number of exciting new community spaces for residents and most significantly provide the first dedicated dementia facility on the village.

This is an incredibly important milestone for RBLI and provides the final missing piece of care services on the village. Once opened the dementia suite will mean that the veterans in our care can be properly supported on the village as their care needs develop from low level domiciliary care to dementia care and end of life care, as their needs dictate, without leaving the caring environment of the RBLI village.

When completed in Winter 2021, the refurbishment will see Gavin Astor House become a truly leading home for supporting our residents who face daily challenges due to dementia and cognitive decline.

We are not just refurbishing a home... We are building a real community where our residents will lead active, engaged lives with the very best care available.

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Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have endeavoured to provide opportunities for our care home residents to be as active and engaged as possible. Over the past 12 months, we have been unwavering in our mission to continue to improve the lives of those we support.

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DAVE’S STORY Dave has become a proud supporter of RBLI’s Tommy Club, through which we support veterans from all services.

Following his RAF service, David Appleby sadly found himself homeless and sleeping on the streets. After getting in touch with RBLI, he has quickly settled within our supportive veteran community and planning for his future.

Lacking direction and with little prospect of gaining employment, David reached out to Royal British Legion Industries in the hope of finding a place to live and rebuild his life. Dave settled in very quickly and is one of the many new residents at Mountbatten Pavilion (MBP) on RBLI’s Aylesford village. MBP is the charity’s emergency accommodation for those veterans who are most in need of immediate support. It is here that our veterans begin their journey back towards independence with RBLI. All veterans join the village’s holistic welfare programme STEP-IN which provides a tailored approach to supporting beneficiary to overcome their own unique challenges. David said: “So the support here has been great – each month is getting better and I’m looking forward to the future.” “I think it’s important to be involved in as many projects and adventures as possible. I’ve been involved with creating the new garden out the front here. I’ve been on camping trips, boats trips – it’s just been awesome for my confidence.” Most recently David has engaged in equestrian therapy and wild yoga along with six other Mountbatten Pavilion veterans. This activity is one of many which plays a central role in creating versatile welfare programmes for our veterans, which identify employment, relationship, and life goals.

Here at Mountbatten Pavilion, the support I have received has been immeasurable. I came from a very dark place. I was living on the street and taking a lot of abuse – it was a very sad time.

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Away from the village we had to be creative to deliver our employment support services in a new way. Traditionally delivered face-to-face across the UK, we had to redesign our LifeWorks programme so that we could support veterans remotely. LifeWorks has supported more than 3,000 people since its 2011 inception – producing phenomenal results in the process. And still, over this past year we have been able to deliver the same high quality content to support more than 900 veterans, many of whom moved into employment and further training even during the pandemic.

The lessons we have learned over the past year have allowed us to design a new way of delivering Lifeworks in the future to reach more veterans with greater impact. To ensure LifeWorks remains as the leading employment support programme for the nations’ veterans seeking employment, we are putting a new and expanded team in place to deliver the programme over the coming years. While our unique process will continue, we will also be adding new roles put in place specifically to support those veterans who secured work since leaving the programme, but who still require additional support.

As the pandemic ends and the job market restarts there will be more veterans than ever seeking employment support.

LifeWorks creates employment opportunities in partnership with forces friendly employers to deliver worthwhile and sustainable employment outcomes for our men and woman that have served.

83%

79%

of veterans who attend LifeWorks move into work/ training within one year

of LifeWorks delegates have some form of physical or hidden disability

900

3k members of the military community have been supported since LifeWorks began

unemployed veterans supported by LifeWorks during the pandemic

The Calleva Foundation 52

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A RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

LIFEWORKS: GRAHAM’S STORY

Despite the challenges faced by the pandemic, LifeWorks has continued to provide truly life-changing employment support to hundreds of military veterans in need of help.

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards are committed to recognising only the very best who support the transition of servicemen and women into the civilian world of work.

Our LifeWorks programme proudly took home the Initiative of the Year Award at this year’s Ex-forces In Business Awards for their exceptional ongoing support of military veterans and their families, and their first-class adaptation to remote learning during the early phases of the pandemic.

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Just to be shortlisted is a phenomenal achievement – but to win is a real testament to the hard work and commitment of our LifeWorks team. This award only goes to further solidify the programme’s industry-leading reputation and helps to build a strong basis as we continue to return to face-to-face delivery all over the UK.

Graham is a 40-year-old veteran of the Royal Logistics Corps who lives in South Wales. After serving 15 years, reaching the rank of Corporal and qualifying as a Chef, he was diagnosed with PTSD. Graham left the Army and pursued a career in catering, continuing his skills he brought from his service. However, in addition to PTSD, Graham has type 1 diabetes and also developed arthritis in his ankles – making doing a job that requires standing for long periods very painful. Graham was furloughed at the start of the pandemic and found the social restrictions difficult to cope with. He became increasingly fearful of returning to work as a chef, as well as lacking confidence about whether his role would survive the second lockdown. After working part time at the Poppy Factory, Graham opened up about needing to work in a completely different sector and was immediately referred to LifeWorks. After completing individual assessments with the Vocational Assessors a lot of skills, interests and experiences were highlighted and explored, which helped him visualise himself in a different role more suited to his condition and desires.

Graham completed all the course elements and had further coaching to consolidate his new drive. This is the letter he wrote to us after securing a new role – against stiff competition: Graham said: “I was in a dark place having struggled with PTSD for some time. I was finding it very hard to find a job during this pandemic. I found the course very helpful from day one. We were all made to feel welcome by the team. Even before the course they were in contact with us to help prepare us for the course. All the work that you did for us was worthwhile. I found the course well structured and its content was up to date and relevant to the job market. Going from over 20 applications to not even getting an interview I have been offered this job that before the course I would not have even applied for.”

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EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS Our Employment Solutions team has been helping individuals into work for nearly 30 years. Now as the job market faces looming challenges, the team’s industryleading skills are needed more than ever.

Although a military charity at our core, RBLI puts to great use our century’s worth of experience helping vulnerable people into meaningful and rewarding employment

Our Employment Solutions team support people from all walks of life who each face their own unique challenges.

Our Employment Solutions team deliver a number of highly successful employment support programmes aimed at supporting civilians into work and helping those facing challenges with disabilities to remain in work.

When Brian first sought our support from our Bognor office, he was in a particularly difficult situation – having lost his job and living in supported accommodation run by a homeless charity.

Whether it’s through the *Brighter Futures Project, which helps people make a positive employment or wellbeing change in their life, or the *Change Your Tomorrow Project which supports all those over the age of 16 across West Sussex and parts of Surrey, our team are dedicated to helping people regain their independence.

Brian said: “During the Covid lockdown last year, as things were spiralling out of control, I became aware of an access module to try and get into university. The only problem was that I had no idea how I was going to do my work in and out of class, or what I would do if this all failed. That was when I was introduced to RBLI.”

The team have become true leaders in the employment support space and have supported thousands of vulnerable people into work. Over the past 12 months alone, through our delivery of the *Brighter Futures, *Change Your Tomorrow and *Let’s Get Working projects we have supported more than 70 people into meaningful, rewarding employment. Meanwhile, our team’s delivery of the Department for Work and Pensions Access to Work programme has continued at full pace. Through the programme we have provided our expertise to thousands of people all over the UK.

“When I was told about RBLI at first, I thought ‘Why are you putting me in touch with this organisation?’. I thought it was a charity just for the Armed Forces and veterans but my key worker explained that they also help people who are seeking work or education. I was given a telephone interview where I explained my situation, and where I wanted to go. I was then given a complete run down on what RBLI are about, what they do and what they may be able to do to help me – depending on the route I wanted to take. I carried on with the university access course while RBLI was able to support me with resources and coaching to look for work, such as CV writing, interview techniques, job search help, broad support and calls to check on my progress and well-being.

Employment Solutions received a 5.5 out of 6 rating from DWP.

people supported into rewarding employment through Brighter Futures, Change your Tomorrow and Let’s Get Working.

39 people moved into training to help them pursue their desired career paths.

I have just passed my access course and been accepted into a three-year Honours degree at university full time. I am also ready and waiting to get back into part-time work alongside my studies.

*These projects are funded by the European Social Fund and

This was all made possible by the support and help I received while under the guidance of RBLI.”

* The National Lottery Community Fund

Thank you for giving me the tools to restart my life again. 56

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8,405 people with disabilities supported through Access to Work.

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE FRIENDS OF RBLI THE FRIENDS OF RBLI AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Throughout the pandemic we have seen communities come together to provide support to those who need it most: whether they be people disadvantaged by the change in circumstance or those working on the frontline of healthcare and manufacturing to keep the country running safely. RBLI is incredibly pleased to have supported the activities of a local team of residents, Friends of the charity, and a doctor’s surgery patient participation group (PPG) who sourced a range of 3D printers used for the production of face visors. Together they helped coordinate the production and distribution of more than 1200 visors which were put to use in health and social care settings and front line industries across our charity’s home county of Kent – and beyond. The project started small with the Bearsted PPG, who went on to donate more than £250 to RBLI, putting out a call for volunteers to support the surgery during the early stages of the pandemic. PPG secretary Chris Dobson said: “Little did any of us think when we posted for volunteers to help the surgery on the last Friday in March that this could possibly be the outcome.”

The chair of the PPG, Jeanette Ward, secured further support from the community including the locally-based 36 Engineer Regiment who too put to good use a 3D printer. Sapper Joe Welton (pictured with Brendan Touhey MBE) helped produced the visor’s headbands – some which were donated to a care home in Cambridge. However, after sourcing specialist printers and providing the crucial visors to local front-line settings, demand grew rapidly. Soon, the group were in desperate need of fresh materials to keep up with the growing demand, which is where our factory, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, came into play. BBMC, which employs more than 100 people – 70% of whom are veterans have a disability or both – helped source the vital mask materials needed to continue production. In return, the PPG worked with our Friends of RBLI group to help raise funds to support our wide range of service. The PPG donated more than £250 to RBLI with a member going on to raise a further £1,000 taking part in a restricted, sociallydistanced bike ride.

We are incredibly grateful for the funds donated by the Bearsted PPG and for the support they have provided to the local community around our Kent headquarters. The work of the Bearsted PPG, the Friends of RBLI and the 36 Engineer Regiment is a prime example of a community coming together for a common good. LISA FARMER

RBLI Deputy Chief Executive

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OUR PEOPLE 2020/21 PAT R O N

DIRECTORS

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent GCVO

Chief Executive Steve Sherry CMG OBE

PRESIDENT

Deputy Chief Executive Lisa Farmer

Lord Mervyn King KG GBE DL FBA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman Steve Rowbotham Vice Chairman Frank Martin DL TRUSTEES Stephen Kingsman DL Nadra Ahmed OBE DL Kathryn Cearns OBE FA FCCA Blair Gulland Brigadier Tony Kerr OBE Sarah Mason Alistair Watson

Director of Finance and Corporate Services Jag Dosanjh-Elton Managing Director (Interim) of Social Enterprises Michelle Ferguson Director of Care and Welfare Will Campbell-Wroe

CENTENARY VILLAGE CA M PA I G N PAT R O N General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO* OBE - Former Vice Chief of Defence Staff ADVISOR TO RBLI Kate Bosley MSc RGN RSCN Dip of Nursing

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CO N TACT U S Royal British Legion Industries Hall Road

FIND US ONLINE rbli.co.uk

Aylesford ME20 7NL 01622 795900 marketing@rbli.co.uk rbli.co.uk

FUNDRAISING FOR US Contact fundraising@rbli.co.uk Mon to Fri 9am-5:30pm

VOLUNTEER FOR US Contact volunteer@rbli.co.uk Mon to Fri 9am-5:30pm

PA R T N E R WI T H U S Contact fundraising@rbli.co.uk Mon to Fri 9am-5:30pm

BECOME A FRIEND OF RBLI Contact enquiries@rbli.co.uk Mon to Fri 9am-5:30pm

Registered charity number 210063

rbli.shop

tommyclub.co.uk gavinastorhouse.co.uk wearelifeworks.org.uk britainsbravestmanufacturing.org.uk scotlandsbravest.org.uk

Royal British Legion Industries

@RBLI @rblicharity