Impact Report 2019 by Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE)

IMPROVING LIVES EVERY DAY

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

A year to remember - 100 years on from humble beginnings, and our charity is thriving!

Welcome to RBLI’s Social Impact Report 2018/19. This year has, of course, seen the start of RBLI’s Centenary year, and what a great year it has been.

One of the highlights of this year has been the progress with our Centenary Village expansion and development. We have seen the impact of the major investment in our facilities and care services for older veterans. Our exciting new Extra Care facilities, which will also allow opportunities for day care, were built, and will bring more isolated older veterans into this welcoming and stimulating community. Our new dementia garden at Gavin Astor House was also given the green light and will be delivered in partnership with Barratt Developments. This will hugely improve the quality of life for some of our oldest residents on the Village, and those who most need our support.

This year our work helping people with disabilities to stay in work, was highly praised by the government. Our social enterprise Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Co. had a terrific year delivering for more customers than ever before. Well done to all who are helping us achieve these excellent results creating more opportunities for disadvantaged veterans.

During this financial year we also marked the anniversary of the end of WWI. It was a particularly poignant and meaningful time for our charity. We remembered how much the veterans of the past and present have given, and have sacrificed, as well as our responsibility to be here for them in their time of need. With our special Wall of Honour we were able to celebrate many individual lives, and bring more families on to our unique Village, so they could remember their loved ones.

At the time of our Centenary although we reflect on more than one year’s impact I am proud to say that this year has been, in my opinion, RBLI’s best year yet. I am confident that the vision of the original founders, and the work we have done to build on that, puts RBLI in the right position to help more people now, and with every year going forward.

Yours sincerely

STEPHEN KINGSMAN CHAIRMAN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S INTRODUCTION

Our vision, our legacy, our impact

It is a proud moment to be at the helm of a charity as it reaches its 100th year. It is not only a major organisational milestone but an astounding fact that the RBLI of today is so true to the vision of the charity’s original founders 100 years ago. A group of determined individuals, most who were veterans of WWI themselves, joined with philanthropists to help the returning soldiers recover their physical health, and their place in the world. They were determined to do this at scale. Furthermore their incredible foresight in recognising that true recovery requires not just excellent nursing and treatment, but also depends on purpose, skills, work, and positive relationships is the reason RBLI has not only survived, but grown and thrived.

It is incredible to reflect on the fact that the charity is still supporting veterans of our armed forces, still making wooden products in our own factory and still maintaining the same focus on employment and skills. There are very few charities that are in a position to celebrate such longevity and consistency of expertise.

In this exciting year RBLI will reach the half way point in our 10-year growth strategy and this year we have announced some significant developments to help the charity reach hundreds more veterans. We are making huge progress with our £22m Centenary Village campaign which will provide hundreds more homes, recovery and development opportunities, and a welcoming community for veterans of all ages, from all over the UK. We have delivered LifeWorks in new northern locations where disadvantaged veterans are concentrated. We launched Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Co. with the First Minister of Scotland where we are now offering veterans with severe disabilities experience with cutting-edge technology so they can gain transferable manufacturing skills. We also unveiled our beautiful Wall of Honour, launched RBLI’s first legacy giving programme, and announced a new nationwide fundraising partnership with Be Military Fit.

In this 2018-19 report we explain not only the impact that RBLI has made on individual lives but how we are making sure we are laying the foundations to meet the needs of the future, and provide practicable and sustainable solutions for some of the most pressing social issues our nation is facing. RBLI’s approach to holistic care which combines modern facilities and mixed homes with outstanding care, welfare, and meaningful activity is vital. RBLI’s work is not just significant for veteran welfare, but for the national crisis in adult social care, and the reality that so many more people in the UK will be living longer, and also working longer, with disabilities and health conditions.

I am also delighted to be able to use this report to thank the individuals, trusts and foundations, organisations and companies that are partnering with us to support veterans and people with disabilities. It is because of you that we are able to help so many beneficiaries gain the skills and tools to deal with the difficult hand that life has dealt them. It is a pleasure for all of us at RBLI to celebrate this exciting Centenary with so many prestigious, committed and expert partners.

Thank you again,

STEVE SHERRY CMG OBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED

KEY FOCUS IN 2018/19

What was our focus?

Our focus over the past year has been clear - continue the excellent work we have begun in building and improving our village through the Centenary Village project. We have engaged in supporting those with mental health conditions, both through wider welfare support, and through expansions to our care facilities which include specialist support for those with dementia. In addition we have continued to deliver gold standard support and create opportunities for veterans and disabled people through our employment support programmes and social enterprises across the UK.

Why was this important?

We are in year four of a ten year strategy. We wanted to expand our charity to ensure no veteran was left behind, and ensure we are ready to meet the needs of the future in regards to employment and care. All our research showed that veterans - especially those who were single and male, were not a priority for public housing. That’s why we are building a village for veterans, and individuals who are struggling with mental health conditions, homelessness and other barriers to an independent life.

Nationally, we know we have an ageing population with an increasing percentage of us suffering with poor health as we grow older. Therefore, improvements to our care facilities were also vital as we moved into our 100th year. Changes to employment are also in progress, with further breakthroughs digitally and in AI, people who are already struggling with work will need even more support.

How did we do?

Our Centenary Village expansion plan (which you can read more about on pages 24-27) has seen significant progress, with generous donations enabling our veterans’ housing to become ever closer to reality.

Our new extra care facility, with day care, is now complete and ready to become a home to new residents. More about this project and how it will make a difference can be read on page 34-35.

Our employment support programme for veterans, LifeWorks, has stayed strong, continuing to branch out and deliver in even more cities around Britain. Find out more on pages 38-41.

Similarly, our wider employment and skills division has built on its success and is now delivering more support for disabled people to stay in work, as well as an ever-expanding skills programme to ensure people in Kent and Sussex have the skills employers need.

Lastly, our social enterprises have continued to provide real opportunities to injured veterans and people with disabilities and health conditions. Ongoing commercial success and support from Government means they are a lifeline to those needing experience and skills in the civilian workplace.

KEY STATISTICS

£2.8M

22,000

17,000+

92%

invested in new buildings and facilities this year blocks and 15,000 bricks laid to build great new facilities for older veterans beneficiaries supported this year of people supported through Let’s Get Working have a disability

What’s next

Moving forward, we will continue to build the STEP-IN programme (detail on page 29), which integrates health and social care, not only on our village but also creating more impact through replication and partnership nationally.

With new leaders in Government, and a new focus and commitment nationally on veteran welfare, we also aim to be a collaborator in the search for new solutions. Our LifeWorks and LifeWorks Families programmes (pages 38-41) are renowned UK-wide, and we thoroughlly believe that they could be utilised and adapted further in the veteran space, and beyond.

OUR MISSION, VALUES AND VISION

Our mission is to improve lives every day. In our centenary year, our heritage as a military charity has shone through, with many projects ensuring we can continue to support our veterans in the years to come. However, as a charity, part of our mission is always to support those in need so we have expanded and used our expertise developed in the veteran space to support others in need. Our aim is to ensure all our beneficaries are supported to be as independent as possible, a goal unique to every individual. These next few years are crucial in preparing for an uncertain future, and that’s why we will be investing in the areas we believe need our support the most.

WE WILL INVEST IN:

Welfare

Research in Scotland in 2018 revealed that every 6 days, a veteran takes their own life. We also know that around 120,000 British veterans are unemployed. Our welfare teams, employment support programme LifeWorks, and new development programme in Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company are helping to combat these distressing facts. Our STEP-IN model, integrating care, weflfare, mental health and employability is a national exemplar.

Homes

We know there is a national housing crisis, and it is our duty to ensure that we help to overcome this for our veterans and their families. Our Centenary Village offers new homes, flats, care, employability support, and a real community for veterans who are homeless or in need.

Care

The UK is home to over 850,000 people with dementia - a figure set to rise to 1 million by 2025. Our new care home and refurbished nursing home will offer support to these, and other older people locally who are in need of a home from home, or extra help day-to-day.

HOW WE HELP

Our programmes, facilities and services

BRITAIN’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Our social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company provides much-needed employment and volunteering opportunities to Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities. We help some people who need to gain experience, and others who need longer term work. Find out more about the last years’ impact in this unique factory on pages 44-45.

HOMES AND ACTIVE LIVING

Our 70-acre village in Kent is home to hundreds of veterans and their families. We support everyone who lives here to be as independent as possible, with an ultimate goal of independent living for those who are able to do so. Whether they stay in a family house or a care home, all of our residents are offered support via STEP-IN, our integrated health and social care programme delivered by our incredible on-site Care and Welfare teams.

EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS

We’re providing support year-round to veterans who are struggling to find, stay or return to work in civvy street. We are also working nationally to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the workplace - educating employers and providing individuals with solutions they need to do their jobs. Across Kent and Sussex we continue to deliver longerterm employment support and skills training for people who are out of work, including those with mental health conditions or physical disabilities.

SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Our Scottish-based social enterprise, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, is a lifeline to Armed Forces veterans across the border. Opened this year, it provides career development support and work opportunites to Armed Forces veterans, especially those who have been injured or have sustained disabilities whilst in service.

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

RBLI statistics between 2018/19

People we supported in 2018/19

17,064

Armed Forces veterans Disabled people

People out of work

1,548 12,000 3,516

123

residents cared for in Gavin Astor House nursing home

£750k donation received from Barratt Developments towards our Centenary Village

£2M

invested in 2018/19 on our new Extra Care facility with 15 new suites and Day Care facilities

885

Veterans and spouses supported through LifeWorks

£320K

on ecological surveys, architect fees, and land preparation for the new Centenary Village expansion

315

Men, women and children living on our village

on new machinery for BBMC, fixtures and fittings and refurbishments across the Village £349k

£4M

money received in donations in 2018/19

INTRODUCING OUR CENTENARY

From the battlefields of the First World War, many soldiers left to find they were now fighting a personal battle against tuberculosis. In 1919, we began helping thousands of the 55,000 soldiers who were discharged from the service with tuberculosis.

A century on, our charity has expanded to support veterans with many disabilities and injuries, as well as disabled people on civvy street. The expertise we developed supporting veterans with TB to find a purpose in life now means we are specialists in employment support.

Our village, is still thriving with multiple developments ongoing to create our Centenary Village vision - able to support veterans for the next 100 years.

RBLI –SUPPORTING VETERANS FOR 100 YEARS

In 1919, for most, the war was over. But for many of the hundreds of thousands returning to British shores with injury and illness, the daily battles continued.

During the First World War, 887,858 British troops were killed with around 1,600,000 also seriously injured as a result of the conflict.

The hundreds of thousands of men and women returning to our shores were in desperate need of support.

Whether suffering dreadful physical injury or mental trauma, or finding themselves among the thousands suffering from tuberculosis, veterans

faced serious hardship and suffering in a country counting the financial costs of four long years of conflict.

RBLI was established in 1919 as Industrial Settlements Inc to offer accommodation and recovery to troops returning from the First World War with tuberculosis.

Based at Aylesford’s iconic Preston Hall, RBLI’s insightful founders recognised that as well as health treatment,

movement towards skills training and employment was crucial if we were able to help rehabilitate injured veterans and re-establish their life and motivation.

With the early establishment of an on-site factory, it soon became a place where veterans could not only receive treatment, rehabilitation and homes, but also gain training and employment to aid their recovery and independence.

One hundred years later, that same

1919

1919 Industrial Settlements is established at Aylesford’s Preston Hall to provide support to troops returning from the Great War with TB

1921

The first bungalows are built with large balconies, large gardens so veterans can ‘grow their own’

1926

HRH Edward Prince of Wales visited the Aylesford settlement, taking a great interest in the activities before becoming patron

1937

George Orwell stays at Preston Hall after returning from the Spanish Civil War and falling ill with tuburculosis

1944

The total number of patients, settlers and dependants at the Preston Hall site rises to 1,641

ethos of care, training and employment is still at the very core of RBLI. With diverse village facilities and services we have retained the holistic approach while our village has grown beyond the dreams of our original founders.

We have developed a truly unique community built upon an ethos of integrated care, with health, social care, welfare, active living and employment in one place, to help people turn their lives around more quickly.

We provide homes to more than

1944

Industrial Settlements’ name was changed to British Legion Industries (Preston Hall) Incorporated

1964

RBLI’s social enterprise launches its reflective signs department - with 136 disabled employees

300 veterans and their families with independent-living, a highdependency care home and emergency homes for those most in need of immediate support.

At the heart of this village, is also the very same factory, now called Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), which is an effective commercial operation providing employment and transferable skills to over 100 people – 75% of whom are veterans or people with disabilities.

BBMC creates opportunities for exforces personnel to use the skills they learned in service to help them maintain their independence in civilian life. Products manufactured at BBMC’s Aylesford base include signs for Network Rail, Balfour Beatty, Amey and Highways England, as well as pallets.

1971

The Queen bestowed the Royal prefix on the charity. New housing blocks and the present factory were built over the following three years

1974

A larger warehouse and office block were constructed and leased to The Royal British Legion, which is still the headquarters of the Poppy Appeal today

1975

In December Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II toured BBMC’s goods department and the signs departments

Building on this expertise and experience supporting injured exservice personnel, we moved outside the veteran space. We wanted to use these skills where we could to help others, including people with disabilities, to thrive and overcome their own challenges.

As we move into our centenary year, RBLI has recently established Scotland’s

Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) based in Renfrewshire.

Adopting the same model as BBMC within a village that can provide holistic care and welfare for individuals based there. It will provide manufacturing and training opportunities for 150 disabled or long-term unemployed veterans over the next three years. You can read more about this venture on pages 46-47.

We also want to continue to build our basis of care – a place those with nowhere else to turn can call home – at our headquarters in Aylesford, ensuring that support is there for the next 100 years and beyond. This project, the Centenary Village, has already begun, and you can read more about it in the next section.

1985

RBLI greatly expands the woodwork and signs departments following periods of exponential growth in sales

1993

RBLI’s highdependency nursing home Gavin Astor House opens

2002

RBLI purchases a Leatherhead social enterprise run by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation, expanding operations into Surrey

2003

After successful delivery of Workstep, RBLI wins the contract to deliver the Government’s New Deal for Disabled People

2005

Queen Elizabeth Court, RBLI’s assisted living accommodation for veterans and their dependants opens its doors.

2011

RBLI’s transformative employment support programme for veterans, LifeWorks, is launched

2016

The RBLI factory is rebranded and launched as Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company at the House of Commons.

2017

The first facility in RBLI’s Centenary Village - 24 specially adapted apartmentsis officially opened by the former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon KCB

2018

RBLI’s LifeWorks programme reaches over 1000 Armed Forces Veterans nationwide

2019

Royal British Legion Industries enters its centenary year and launches Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company in Renfrewshire

OUR VILLAGE: TODAY AND TOMORROW

Our village in Aylesford, Kent, is a thriving community, home to veterans and civilians, old and young, retired and working, couples, individuals and families.

We are currently expanding and developing the village so we are ready for the next 100 years. This village vision is called the Centenary Village.

By expanding and improving on our unique community, we will be able to provide a beacon of hope to hundreds more homeless or struggling veterans across the UK. With effectively integrated health, mental health and employablity, as well as a financially sustainable model of support, the RBLI Village is an important example to other housing providers and veteran communities.

OUR VILLAGE

Offering

our

veterans the homes they need now and in the future

FAMILY HOUSING

Our Veterans’ family housing is ideal for families adjusting to civilian life. Residents become part of a lively ex-military community with care and activities. This is essential for families coping with diagnosis, disability, and financial crisis. By providing two, three and four bedroom accommodation for families with a military connection, we offer stability and comfort.

APARTMENTS

Our apartments are specially adapted for veterans who have been wounded or injured, or who have a disability which affects their mobility. Developed as the first facility in our Centenary Village expansion, they were built to the highest specification and mean that injured veterans can have the facilities they need to live independently in their daily lives.

EMERGENCY HOMES

Our short-term accommodation provides a ‘stepping stone’ for Armed Forces Veterans who are really struggling, especially those who have become homeless. It provides a safe place for them, with a private space of their own, as we support them to find longer-term solutions, including employablity, and overcoming debt or a mental health crisis. We are proud to be able to offer this to any single Armed Forces veterans in need, regardless of when, where or who they served for.

ASSISTED LIVING

Our village also offers assisted living for people who have served in the Armed Forces, and their spouses, aged over 55. Designed to maintain independent living for as long as possible, every resident has their own front door. Residents are offered many opportunities to take part in social activities as part of this unique veteran community.

BASE CAMP COMMUNITY HUB & CAFE

Base Camp is our community hub and cafe. Opened in 2015 it runs activities and events for the local community around our head office and Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company factory. Events throughout the year bring together old and young, families, friends and people of all backgrounds.

GAVIN ASTOR HOUSE

Gavin Astor House is a high-dependency nursing home. Residents are able to access 24-hour care with privacy and dignity in a home-from-home environment. In addition, a wide selection of activities and celebrations provided by our in-house Activities Co-ordinator and our Village Community Health and Wellbeing Officer mean there are many social opportunities available amongst a vibrant Armed Forces community of all ages.

CAPEL MORRIS

Capel Morris Centre is a custom built venue that provides a spacious and flexible layout with a welcoming atmosphere. The Centre is used by LifeWorks to deliver courses on a monthly basis. The buidling has community centre room, kitchen, meeting rooms, office and IT Suite. As well as outstanding employability coaching for veterans the centre is used by the wider local community.

GARDEN OF HONOUR

Built to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, the Garden of Honour is a place where everyone can go to remember those who served, and still serve in our Armed Forces. In 2018 we launched our Wall of Honour so member of the public can remember their loved ones in this unique space.

24,000

Visitors at Base Camp

30+

events held in Garden of Honour

1,200

isolated older veterans reached

315 residents living in our village

THE RBLI VILLAGE IS UNIQUE. IT HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE HEARTS OF MANY WHO HAVE LIVED AND WORKED THERE.

EVERYONE WHO VISITS LEAVES KNOWING SOMETHING NEW, AND UNDERSTANDING MORE ABOUT THE STRUGGLES FACED BY SOME OF OUR VERY BRAVEST VETERANS.

AMY - RBLI SUPPORTER

CHARLES’ STORY

Charles is a D-Day veteran living in RBLI’s Queen Elizabeth Court. Charles braved the terryfying Normandy beaches aged just 17.

Charles, who is now 93 years old, moved into QEC in 2018, following the loss of his wife, after she had battled dementia for several years. Charles had a long, varied career in the forces, joining up in 1942. His time serving including a period in the Military Police where he assisted in the historic Nuremberg trials.

In 1966 his time in the Armed Forces came to an end, but Charles did not leave public service behind. He then

worked within the Civil Service as a Resettlement Officer for disabled people for 20 years before he retired in 1987. During this time, Charles travelled once a week to the RBLI Village in Aylesford helping disabled people find work in the on-site social enterprise, now known as Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.

Today, he lives on our village himself, independently, but with the knowledge that our domicilliary care team are on hand to offer help 24 hours a day should he need it.

THE FUTURE

RBLI’s Centenary Village is a £22m investment in facilities and services ensuring that we can be here for the veterans who need us now and for the next Century.

RBLI’s Centenary Village expansion has been designed for the veterans who are most in need. Single veterans, particularly those who are struggling with financial crisis, relationship breakdown, or mental health are not prioritised for social housing. Veterans with disablities often spend months, if not years, living in unsuitable accomodation where every simple daily task is a frustration. We wanted to offer more veterans a chance to build a second life on our Village, where employablity is at the heart, and where physical and mental health challenges can be tackled within

a supportive and forward-focused community

The project will ensure RBLI is able to offer our life changing holistic care to hundreds more veterans every year. As well as expanding our provision for older veterans, we will be able to provide a home, with employablity support, for those veterans of the most recent conflicts who suffered life changing injuries and will still be of working age for several decades.

The £22m Centenary Village will be a significant investment impacting on the most disadvantaged ex-Armed Forces from anywhere in the UK. This

investment will enable veterans who come to RBLI with no money, no job and no home to leave with a second life on civvy street in place. Already we have built 24 accessible apartments. In total the Centenary Village includes £8m investment in new facilties and services for older veterans beginning with our new Extra Care facilities and day care services. We are actively fundraising through the military community, corporate partnerships, charitable foundations and individual philanthropists, to help us complete our vision - this incredible and lasting legacy for veterans.

Photo credit: Andy Bate

COMMUNITY CENTRE

A brand new £2m Community Centre as a hub for self development, featuring a rehabilitation gym, IT suite & café. With spcae for peer support, employability coaching, independent living skills, therapy, and social groups.

ASSISTED LIVING

The £4m Assisted Living Scheme comprising of 24 fully adapted units to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable residents. Residents will be able to live independently, with their own front door, but with nurses on hand.

FAMILY HOMES

18 new two and three bed family homes; at £4m these will ensure service families have a stable home while they work towards rebuilding their lives. Some homes will be individually adapted for severe disabilities.

APARTMENTS

22 one & two bedroom apartments at £4m designed to be fully accessible for residents in urgent need. These apartments are planned to support veterans facing eviction, homelessness, mental health crisis and sudden diagnosis.

When complete, our expanded Village will offer the following and will mean RBLI can support an additional 600 veterans annually:

Extra care suites

Family homes in town and mews style housing

Assisted living apartments to extend the care and support we have provided since 1919

01 18 15 24 46 Community Centre with fully accessbile gym

Fully accessible one and twobed apartments designed to house single veterans and couples in urgent need of a home and support

OUR CENTENARY VILLAGE PARTNER: BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS

This year we were delighted that our visionary £22m Centenary Village campaign received the backing of the nation’s largest housebuilder Barratt Developments.

The company donated £750,000 to the project, with a further £50,000 lined up for a beautiful ecological garden which will provide a safe, outdoor space for our older residents. As well as the donation, Barratt Developments are pushing forward their own veteran employment scheme, involving their graduates in RBLI projects and purchasing from BBMC. All this highlights their fervent commitment to supporting Armed Forces veterans. We are very proud that

they have chosen our project to mark this commitment. David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments, said: “This is the largest donation in our company’s 60-year history. RBLI and Barratt have a lot in common, with both organisations providing housing, building communities, employing ex armed forces personnel and marking significant anniversary milestones. This is why we wanted to support them as they look to build the Centenary Village.

“We are immensely proud to stand alongside RBLI in the development of this project and help this amazing charity continue to provide crucial housing support to ex-servicemen and women.”

WE ARE IMMENSELY PROUD TO STAND ALONGSIDE RBLI IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROJECT AND HELP THIS AMAZING CHARITY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE CRUCIAL HOUSING SUPPORT TO EXSERVICEMEN AND WOMEN.

DAVID THOMAS, CE, BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS

“

Photo above: David Thomas, CE Barratt Developments marking the donation with Steve Sherry CMG OBE. The plaque was made by William Murray, a veteran now working as a water jet operator at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Co.

OUR CENTENARY VILLAGE CAMPAIGN PATRON

GENERAL SIR GORDON MESSENGER

KCB DSO* OBE

General Sir Gordon Messenger is the Patron of RBLI’s Centenary Village campaign. Having served his country in a range of roles including at the MOD and HQ Royal Marines as well as on deployment in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq, he was Vice Chief of the Defence Staff for 3 years.

General Sir Gordon was inspired by the “ethos of self reliance” that he found on RBLI’s village and is backing our £22m campaign to expand our holistic services. This year, as well as meeting indiviudally with global philanthropists, he held a campaign event in London. He shared his platform with village resident George Bradford, aged 86, who described the active living, and positive daily routine, that is possible for him across such a large Village with multiple locations, activities and social groups.

The event at the Sea Container’s building gave guests the opportunity to hear directly from the General about his experiences in the Armed Forces as well as his thoughts on current political issues. He emphasised the flexiblity that is now demanded from our Armed Forces and the rapidly changing nature of military service and culture. General

Sir Gordon expressed his desire that we would see more Centenary Village buildings completing as early as 2020 and asked all present to take the time out of their demanding schedules to visit RBLI to see the project plans first hand.

“I AM VERY CONSCIOUS THAT OUR VETERANS, PARTICULARLY FROM RECENT OPERATIONS, MANY OF WHOM WERE YOUNG WHEN THEY EXPERIENCED LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES, WILL NEED OUR SUPPORT FOR DECADES TO COME. WE NEED TO BE THERE FOR THEM.

GENERAL SIR GORDON MESSENGER

Top three photos: Barratt Developments staff who as part of their graduate scheme, are consulting with RBLI residents to plan a new sensory garden for people with dementia.

Bottom photo: RBLI’s Centenary Village campaign is very generously supported by Annington – pictured above celebrating their donation with General Sir Gordon Messenger. During the year 2018/19 we are incredibly grateful to all our campaign supporters including Greenwich Hospital, ABF The Soldiers Charity, Barratt Developments, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation, The Sir Jules Thorn Trust, The Henry Oldfield Trust and 3i. These incredible commitments, donations and pledges during the year ensured we are in position to begin the construction.

POSITIVE FUTURES

Truly holistic support can only be delivered in collaboration. On our Kent Village we have been delighted to work closely with many partners to deliver our STEP–IN model of holistic care. We would not have been able to support so many veterans to create positive daily routines without West Kent CCG, PTSD Resolutions, CGL Maidstone, Dementia Care Matters, Oomph, and Leonard Cheshire. We have also established exciting new partnerships with The Jubilee Sailing Trust and Mid Kent Mind to help veterans with their confidence, social relationships, fitness and active living. As a result disadvantaged veterans were able to take part in the Round Britain Sailing Challenge, and a 150 mile cycle challenge to Ypres.

Every week in the news we hear more and more shocking statistics about our society, the changing needs we have for social care, and how the current system isn’t a proper solution. It is clear that life expectancy has risen more quickly than healthy life expectancy. Figures show that over the last 10 years, while life expectancy has gradually increased across the UK, the years of life gained are being spent in ill-health.

Improvements in at-home care and assistive technologies mean many people with disabilities and health conditions, are able to stay at home longer, living happier, more independent lives. These factors combined put increasing pressure on the social care sector - the number of people in need of social care will continue to rise, but their needs will be more serious and complex.

This poses a very serious question concerning not just the availability of care, but the versatility of the care industry to be able to meet an incredibly wide range of needs, and in particular, support people wth multiple health conditions. Each of our village residents has their own history, health requirements, and situation. Over time, we have developed an expertise in delivering solutions for individualsrecognising that one solution does not fit all. There are ways of supporting individuals which can be tailored for every person and their unique needs, goals and barriers and which are anchored to individual life goals, interests and meaningful activity.

It is because of this that we have a developed an holistic and versatile care mode geared towards moving our beneficiaries - irrespective of their challenges - towards independence. We have developed integrated delivery which can help nationally. Replicable in numerous scenarios, our STEP-IN model is already influencing other charity leaders and NHS commissioners.

Our STEP-IN programme empowers staff of all disciplines, whether they be in care, welfare or in supported employment, to bring in specialists and arrange meaningful activities.

STEP-IN creates a collective focus on positive daily routines and all our funders, and specialist delivery partners, value and see the long-term outcomes that can be achieved with this approach across health and mental health, employability and active living.

However, a delivery model cannot be a solution on its own, a successful resolution to this national problem also requires the faciltities to deliver the support. Our village is integral to our successful delivery in Aylesford, and we are proud that the past year has seen us invest and build new Extra Care suites and day care so we can support even more people.

OUR STEP-IN MODEL

STEP-IN provides a structured engagement process with our Welfare Team, establish a forward thinking plan and self-motivation. The aim is that each individual actively participates in building a better future for themselves and their family.

SUPPORT

Immediate and tailored support which is holistic

TRAINING

Learning new skills, volunteering, and employment

EVALUATION

Regular reviews of progress

PERSONALISED

Bespoke plans for everyone we are supporting

INDEPENDENCE

Steps toward greater independence

NEXT STEPS

Towards achieving personal life goals

HELPING VETERANS THROUGH HORTICULTURE

The Veterans’ Horticulture project, delivered by Royal British Legion Industries with the backing of ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity, provides vital gardening work experience to veterans who are struggling to secure and sustain employment.

The programme is designed specifically to support veterans in unfamiliar environments and to fulfil their potential,

and offer them with unique routes towards independence following their service – especially those in recovery, with mental or physical health issues. Up to ten veterans from across RBLI’s village are offered the opportunity to take part in the Veteran’s Horticulture programme at any time.

Paul Jeffries who served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, has faced severe daily battles due to PTSD for more than a decade, resulting in sustained unemployment, the breakdown of his marriage and, ultimately, a feeling of complete hopelessness. He found purpose once again through the Veterans’ Horticulture project, funded by ABFThe Soldiers’ Charity.

“I lost the plot after Northern Ireland,” admits Paul. “I had managed to immerse myself in work for a few years, but then, all of a sudden, my life quickly took a downwards turn.”

Paul, 44, served for five years, three of which saw him tackle the same difficulties faced by so many serving personnel in Northern Ireland. He left the forces in 1996, ready to return to his wife and begin the second stage of his life. However, he simply wasn’t ready for what he was to face.

“Some people say they have hit a brick wall… well I was slammed up against it.

“I started having these horrific nightmares, waking up in sweats. I honestly didn’t know what was happening to me. I would lash out in my sleep and I was completely unable to function – my whole life started to implode.”

Paul’s condition, which would later be diagnosed as PTSD, put an immense pressure on his relationship with his wife. He found it difficult to articulate what was happening to him, and so she found it difficult to understand him as a result.

“It [Paul’s PTSD] had not been good for about 7 years – it all came to head this time last year,” Paul continued. “My wife decided she had had enough. She said: ‘Paul you have to go and sort this out.’”

Paul had turned to alcohol to quiet his mind, and block out his feelings.

Paul was in desperate need of a fresh start and was moved immediately by RBLI’s welfare team into the charity’s emergency accommodation Mountbatten Pavilion. It was here, within a matter of months, where he would be offered an opportunity which put him on an entirely new path.

Despite having no prior gardening experience, when offered the opportunity to take part in the project by RBLI’s Community Health and Wellbeing Officer Maria Gallego, Paul jumped at the chance and has since spent the past year playing a crucial role in the development of Kent’s Great Comp Garden in readiness for the April 2019 opening.

Paul was ripping out masses of shrubbery and removing and replanting bamboo – a notoriously difficult job – in

preparation for the April public opening of the garden, which Paul lovingly refers to as his “7-acre office.”

“I just can’t work in a factory,” said Paul. “I just can’t deal with the loud noises.”

“Here I can just stand still and be calm – and the staff here are fantastic. They have all been very patient and understanding – you don’t get that from a lot of places now-a-days.

“And the best part is, I come home, kick my boots off and feel really accomplished.”

Having taken his first steps on an entirely different path, Paul now has a real taste for gardening and is eager to continue along this line. He now has ambitions to enrol in a certified horticulture education programme at his local college.

I want to thank ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity for backing this programme and giving me the opportunity to learn new skills.”

Kate Harrison – Senior Gardener

“It’s a nice thing to do something to benefit people that need it. It’s a fantastic place to come and lose yourself.

“It’s been a massive benefit to us, having extra pairs of hands here. People might believe that over the Winter, we don’t really have much to do, but really we put an awful lot of work in prepping for the when it’s open to the public in April. We have to make sure the place is pristine for that.

Kate has been alongside Paul since he started. “He has had his setbacks, but there has been a progression and it’s lovely to see his enthusiasm.”

“He has learned a lot since he’s started. It’s great that we are now doing more than we were.“

We are eager to get him around the garden, and to get him involved in as much as possible.”

With our thanks to

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW: SOLVING THE SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

With an ageing population there is a growing demand for care which can cater for multiple health conditions and neurological conditions such as dementia. However, the number of beds available in care homes is not growing fast enough 1, and our own trustee Nadra Ahmed, also chair of the National Care Association, says that social care is “beyond the crisis point” 2 There is no doubt then, that charities, public and private sector need to work together to overcome these issues and ensure our society is better prepared to help those in need now and in the future. Read on to find out about how we’ve collaborated to bring our solution to life, with a holistic model of support, and our new care facility which will help people in need of nursing care every day.

1. https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/end-of-life/data#page/4/ gid/1938133060/pat/6/par/E12000008/ati/102/are/E10000016

2. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/dec/12/social-care-crisisfunding-cuts-government-council-tax

8.6M more people aged 65+ living in the UK in 50 years time

106 beds available across our care facilities

DFLE disability free life expectancy peaked around 2011 and has since been declining

100% of our Village care staff have undertaken dementia training

60% of the residents currently in our care are aged over 65 3x the number of people aged 85+ will be alive in 2066 compared to 2016

£8M investment in new facilities for older veterans

70% of people in care homes nationally have dementia or memory problems

THIS UNIQUE COMMUNITY OFFERS FANTASTIC SUPPORT FOR OUR EX-SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN, HELPING THEM NOT ONLY MANAGE THEIR HEALTH CONDITIONS BUT OVERCOME EMOTIONAL AND PRACTICAL BARRIERS TO INDEPENDENCE.

“

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE MATT HANCOCK MP

Visited RBLI December 2018

CARE IN THE 21 ST CENTURY

Our facilities, what we offer, and plans for the future

OPENING OF OUR NEW CARE FACILITY

Our 70 acre unique village in Aylesford, Kent, already provides a home to more than 300 people - many of whom live in our assisted-living accommodation, Queen Elizabeth Court, or our high-dependency nursing home, Gavin Astor House.

However in recognising the ever increasing demands on our care sector, this year we have begun expansions and alterations to our village, so we can be industry-leaders in providing support to people in later life.

Now complete, our new Extra Care facility features 15 intermediate care suites and offers day-care to local residents. The spacious rooms, flexible living spaces, and modern en-suite facilities will offer a home from home for our future residents.

We are proud to have completed this important project, which will improve lives every day.

FUTURE PLANS FOR RBLI CARE

After the exciting opening of our new care facility, we will continue with our plans to revitalise and improve our care services. The next stage is the refurbishment of Gavin Astor House (you can read more about GAH opposite). After this refurbishment, we will have a floor dedicated to supporting individuals suffering from dementia - one of the most

significant care issues of our time. Alongside our investment over the past few years in dementia training for our staff, this shows our commitment to facing the care issues of today head on. It will also significantly widen the breadth of care available at RBLI, and the positive transitions possible on the village. We are eagerly looking forward to this development which will build on our 2018 rating of Good across all areas by the Care Quality Commission. The landscape of care, however, is ever changing, and it is our mission to ensure we better our delivery year after year, and continue to research the needs of care so we can be ready for the challenges lay ahead.

JOHN’S STORY

A 99-year-old WWII hero will be the first resident of Royal British Legion Industries’ new state-of-the-art Extra Care facility to open in August in the charity’s Centenary Year.

Former infantryman John Riggs joined the Army in 1939, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. He served throughout the Middle East before joining the Chindits – a special operations unit formed to protect British India from the advancing Japanese army.

John battled through monsoons, travelling up to 180-miles a month on foot, destroying transport lines to stop the attacks. He returned from the war malnourished and having contracted malaria.

John lived at Queen Elizaneth Court on RBLI’s Aylesford village from 2009. After suffering a stroke in 2018 John moved to the high dependency nursing home Gavin Astor House. He will be the first of 15 incoming residents at the charity’s new state-of-the-art care facility in August.

Steve Sherry CMG OBE, RBLI Chief Executive said: “We are incredibly proud to have John amongst our ranks.”

“It wasn’t until much later in his life that John required on-hand assistance, so we recognise the need to have established, versatile care accommodation on our village to cater for a range of needs and to make sure that the transitions which can so often cause distress, can be positive.“

GAVIN ASTOR HOUSE

Our nursing home, Gavin Astor House, has been offering care since it opened on our Village in 1993. With 52 private bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, housed in a fully accessible building, it offers 24 hour nursing care. We are proud to support and care for our residents, some of whom have longterm conditions and stay with us for many years, and others who are nearing the end of their life and need support and dignity in their last few weeks and months. We now plan to refurbish Gavin Astor and ensure it is the homefrom-home our residents need for the next 25 years.

OUR NEW EXTRA CARE HOME

Located in our beautiful village in Aylesford, Kent Day care offered in addition to residential care

CHALLENGING PRECONCEPTIONS

Those who have served have gained incredible skills and experiences whilst in the Forces. We know this makes them a great asset to employers with much to offer. That’s why we help veterans across the UK to challenge preconceptions, both internal and external. Our LifeWorks programme helps veterans be more prepared for work on civvy street, also encouraging them to show employers what they have to offer and why they are an excellent recruit.

LIFEWORKS: SUPPORTING LIVES

RBLI’s LifeWorks programme is RBLI’s flagship national outreach, aimed at long-term unemployed veterans particularly in the most deprived areas of the UK.

We are proud to say that the programme has made a substantial difference to veterans and spouses of serving personnel from all around the UK - and even further afield. More than 1,400 veterans have now passed through the programme - more than 83% of those attending the course move into employment, training and volunteering within 12 months. This is especially impressive when considering that

May 2011

LifeWorks began.

One course per month in Aylesford, Kent.

December 2011

Started delivering two courses a month in Aylesford, Kent.

June 2012

almost 80% off all delegates have some form of disability or health condition.

Our support programme for veterans lasts over 12 months, and incorporates a 1-week intensive coaching and peer support session. We make regular contact with veterans to track their progress and help with specific hurdles. As well as help with employablity hurdles, like interviews, performance reviews, and restructuring, the LifeWorks team are helping with self employment, mental health, financial and housing challenges, a consistent support for well over a year.

Started delivering in Scotland

October 2013

Started delivering LifeWorks Families to spouses & partners of serving personnel

July 2014

Started delivering LifeWorks Families in Europe

LOCATIONS DELIVERED IN 2018/19

Over the past five years, we have supported large groups of veterans in all four corners of the UK - from Plymouth to Perth - providing job-seeking to veterans, utilising our century’s worth of experience. This past year was no different. As well as our usual delivery centres, which include Manchester, Stirling and Cardiff, we have also run programmes in Hull, Merseyside, Crawley and Llandudno. All of our courses are able to run thanks to the generous support of other Armed Forces charities, and many charitable foundations and trusts. This year we would especially like to thank the Veterans Foundation, the Morrisons Foundation, ABF - the Soldiers’ Charity, the Annington Trust, The RAF Benevolent Fund, and Greenwich Hospital.

KEY FACTS

Veterans are twice as likely to be unemployed as their civilian counterparts

Percent of veterans who attend LifeWorks who move into work/ training within 1 year

Coaching groups delivered in 2018/19

We focus on realistic goals and confidence as well as employability skills

VETERANS FOUNDATION HAS A HIGH REGARD FOR RBLI, WHO HAVE DEVELOPED A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS...

“ “

June 2016

Increased to delivering 36 courses a year with support from Libor

September 2016

Learning & Work institute published independent evaluation report of LifeWorks

Over 1,400 veterans have been helped by LifeWorks since it began in 2011

Countries have been reached by our team delivering support to spouses & partners 83 62

June 2017 LifeWorks launched in Wales with support of the Morrisons Foundation

2018 Reached 1000 veterans across the UK

NOW LifeWorks Families praised by Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood MP

Nathen grew up in care, moving from home to home. His childhood, he says, was incredibly unsettled: he struggled to make friends and determine a path for his life. In his midteens, he realised his way out was joining the Forces. “I always had a vision of joining the Army. It just seemed the next step in my life. I was ready to dedicate my life to it.”

However, after 18 months of his infantry training, just weeks before passing out and reaching his dream, Nathen’s plans to find a purpose in his life fell apart. In what was to be one his final intensive training exercises before becoming what he calls a “real soldier”, Nathen suffered a catastrophic injury, tearing two tendons in his ankle which would go on to cause irreparable nerve damage. It was then, at age just 18, Nathen was told he would never actualise his dreams and he was medically discharged.

“I understood it, but was totally devastated by it.” He found himself depressed as a result. Upon being discharged, Nathen returned to his foster parent, but he was forced to sleep on the floor. He had no choice but to run away. Nathen was referred to RBLI via the Veterans Gateaway who put him straight in touch with RBLI’s Welfare, Community and Outreach manager Steve Parrot. Steve assessed Nathen’s situation, and recognised his urgent need for a home and support. Upon arriving Nathan said: “I was really nervous, I just didn’t know what to expect. But I was walking into an

atmosphere where I feel protected and safe – you don’t have to be on high alert.”

“It’s crazy to have all that happen to you then find yourself in a place where you have people on-hand who are actually willing to help.” Three days after arriving, Nathen found himself, alongside his “new best friends” at Mountbatton Pavilion, on his way to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

In August 2019, just months after arriving on the village and stabilising his life, Nathen took part in RBLI’s employment support programme LifeWorks. During this programme Nathen was able to make more sense of his situation and reflect on his skills, and motivation. Nathen found the input from other people on the programme and their encouragement, hugely motivating. Whilst still on the course, the skills developed by the trainers had helped him secure a job interview with a leading young person’s activity provider. The following week, Nathen found himself in rewarding employment and on his step towards independence!

Supported by

NATHEN’S STORY

LW FAMILIES: SUPPORTING DURING THE GERMANY DRAWDOWN

2018/19 was a key year for the Army drawdown from Germany with all but a handful of British troops and their families returning home. It is important to recognise that this can be a potentially turbulent time for the military spouses and partners as they leave somewhere they may have lived for many years, and return to the UK and of course, the UK jobs market.

Facing relocation, the prospect of having to find new employment and potentially accommodation, the move can be a daunting challenge for the partners of our service personnel.

However, our LifeWorks Families team have been there to help, delivering a course specifically designed to help military spouses secure employment and move towards independence. This year with support from The Annington Trust we have helped over 350 military partners and spouses linked to the Germany drawdown.

KIM’S STORY

Kim had lived in Germany for over two decades alongside her husband. However, her husband’s regiment - the Queen’s Royal Hussars - were due to return to the UK. In February Kim decided to attend a LifeWorks Families programme held in Paderborn.

She said: “With the move to the UK, sadly I was made redundant from my job as a Civil Labour Clerk. The job I loved is no longer available once the regiment has settled in the UK. So with the mind-set of “prior preparation” I enrolled myself onto the Lifeworks course.

“I did not realise how unprepared I was for the UK civilian job market. My CV was archaic to say the least.”

After the LifeWorks team revamped her CV and reestablished her confidence, Kim landed a job interview with the Careers Transition Partnership.

“I had to do a 45 minute video interview but the audio wasn’t working properly so I had to use a phone as well… [it] was really tough.”

However thanks to her hard work and the support from Lifeworks Families, Kim’s interview was successful and she started her new job in August - just one week after she arrived back in the UK.

“Without the LifeWorks course I would never have attempted to apply for this job,” she added.

Supported by

Pictured above: LW launched in Hull, LWF SHAPE course delegates in Belgium, LW at Liverpool and LWF at Paderborn, Germany.

A UNIQUE EMPLOYER

We’re not just any employer - we provide real opportunities for people who may otherwise have never found employment. We know that everyone has something to offer, whether that’s an injured veteran who has transferable skills from the Forces, or someone with learning difficulties who has an aptitude for precision. Our two social enterprises combine commercial success with social value, and we are proud to be setting an example to other employers with our disability confident practices.

BRITAIN’S BRAVEST – ONE HUNDRED YEARS ON

The

As a leading disability employer we are delighted to report that Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Co. had an excellent year of business in 2018/19, winning new customers, bringing in new product lines but, most importantly of all, increasing the number of workers employed AND our proportion of disadvantaged and ex-service workers to 75%.

By producing high quality road and rail signs, print, and wooden products, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Co. offers people with disabilities and other significant barriers to employment commercial work experience, and sought-after skills. By running large fulfilment operations we are also able to offer important entry level and part times roles for people who we are supporting with gradual return. We are delighted that we had so many different work opportunities

to offer vulnerable people, and that we now have 25 different product lines. We would not have been able to offer these lifechanging work placements without so many companies in the service sector making the important decision to “buy social”. Most significantly BBMC has moved into 2 new markets this year; firstly building on our successful road and rail signs business we have now, as part of our multi-layered partnership with Barratt Developments, commenced production and installation of House Builder Signage, specifically in supporting the sales and marketing suites at each new development site. Our long standing relationship with Morrisons has led to retail opportunities for BBMC with our first branded product, a special edition pack of coasters.

A YEAR OF INVESTMENT

For any operational business to be successful, it must be sustainable, and we take great pride in having seen Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company become an industry-leading organisation with a heart.

In order to continue to do this, it is crucial that we invest both in our people - the veterans and people with disabilities whom we know can work to the highest of standards - but also in technology. That is why this year, our signs department invested in a new Canon Colorado printer, enabling us to increase our productivity and maximise opportunities for our veterans.

Over the last 5 years, our investments in factory improvements and technology total £585K, showing how much emphasis we place on being not only socially thriving but also commercially competitive and sustainable.

TIRTHA’S STORY

Tirtha Thapa dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps and joining the British Army. His ambitions were realised in 2005 when he had the honour of joining the First Gurkha Rifles, beating thousands in the selection process at what was his final attempt.

His seven-year service saw him undertake two tours of Afghanistan. It was the second, in 2010, when clearing suspected IEDs in an alleyway, that he was caught in a blast and lost 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, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company gave him what he calls a second chance.

I COME TO WORK WITH A SMILE NOW – I NEVER DID THAT BEFORE RBLI.

TIM BROWN, VETERAN AND BBMC TEAM LEADER

Tirtha now works alongside five other former Gurkhas, all of whom share similar experiences of service, in BBMC’s sign manufacturing department. Tirtha and his team are highly skilled, motivated to win and take on new business, and are respected for the quality of their work. He refers to his new career as his second life.

SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING COMPANY

100 Scottish veterans and veteran/ military spouses are currently employed here veteran volunteers have been supported in the factory in the last year

18 The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland opened SBMC 1st

Officially opened on 17th June 2019 percent of veteran operatives have a mental/physical health condition

Opened by Scotland’s First Minister, The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP on 17th June 2019, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has already built a big reputation.

Having seen the growth of our inaugural social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, over the past century, we realised the potential in providing retraining and manufacturing opportunities to ex-service personnel in areas outside the South East.

Located on the Erskine village, run by one of Scotland’s most highly regarded charities, the launch of SBMC is part of a strategic vision to replicate RBLI’s successful model, and has launched alongside new homes for working age veterans and a new activity centre.

Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company was developed to help Scottish veterans, after a 2015 study revealed that Armed Forces veterans from Scotland were twice as likely to be unemployed as their civilian counterparts. Our new venture has caught the attention of people across the public and private sectors in Scotland, and we thank all those who have given their support in the early stages of the SBMC story. These include: newly-appointed Scottish Veterans Commissioner Charlie Wallace, Major General Robert Bruce CBE DSO and Scottish Veterans Minister Graeme Dey MSP.

donated to SBMC so far £413K

We were also delighted to be placed at the very heart of the Scottish Government’s signage procurement choices, both locally and nationally, as we competed and have been successful at securing a place on the Scottish Government’s Supported Business Framework and the Scotland Excel Framework. This shows that not only is our new enterprise helping veterans by providing real work opportunities, it is on its way to becoming commercially successful.

A huge thank you is also due this year to The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland), after SBMC was awarded a grant of £120,000 to help its on its journey to becoming the industry-leading social enterprise of Scotland. Maureen McGinn, The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) Chair, said: “I am delighted to see this funding will help veterans learn new skills through a unique social enterprise in the grounds of Erskine Hospital. This will equip them for future employment and a positive transition to life outside the Armed Forces.”

SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST

MANUFACTURING COMPANY IS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF HOW VETERANS CAN TRANSFER THEIR MILITARY SKILLS TO THE WORKPLACE, LEARN NEW SKILLS AND THRIVE.

SCOTTISH VETERANS

COMMISSIONER

- CHARLIE

WALLACE

GARY’S

STORY

Gary, from Strathaven, lost both of his legs below the knee and his left arm above the elbow whilst on patrol in Afghanistan in 2010 with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards. Through SBMC, he has been trained as a water jet cutter and will soon be passing on his skills to other veterans. He said: “Coming from an army background I am used to being busy and surrounded by other people. I never thought I would get the opportunity to do this kind of work and that all these opportunities might be open to me. Not only am I getting specialised skills but experience of working in a busy factory, learning about how the business operates. “Working here has given me a real structure to my life and I look forward to coming in every day, not only for the work but for the camaraderie that I have really missed. I look forward to helping other veterans and being an example to them. If I can do it with no legs and one arm then they can do it too.”

USING OUR EXPERTISE TO CHANGE MORE LIVES

Whilst our heritage is as a veterans’ charity, we have always been determined to use our expertise as widely as possible. That’s why the last century has seen us expand our services to civilians - primarily those who are struggling to work due to disabiltiies, health conditions or other long-term barriers to employment.

TEACHING NEW SKILLS AND IMPROVING LIVES UK-WIDE

Veteran care runs through the very core of RBLI, this experience has provided our charity with an immense knowledge and understanding of the barriers people face both in their journey back to work and their experience managing their health and mental health conditions in the workplace.

Over recent decades RBLI has been able to apply our unique expertise outside the military space - to many people who face similar challenges to ex-forces personnel - in the delivery

of a wide range of employment contracts and large-scale programmes.

This year has seen particular growth in our skills departmentin just one quarter we saw a 400% increase in attendance on courses helping adults across Kent and Sussex. Over 85,000 adults of working age in these counties have no qualifications at all. By delivering skills courses aimed at key industries such as construction and care, as well as basic skills like Maths and English, we’re helping reduce this number and transform lives.

529

people supported through BBO projects

GB WIDE

Our support for disabled people is delivered across England, Scotland & Wales

In November 2018, Employment Solutions received a 5.5 out of 6 rating from DWP

of people supported through Brighter Futures have a disability

12,000

people find a job or stay in employment because of RBLI every year

85,000 60%

working age people in Kent & Sussex have no qualifications - we are helping with skills courses.

GIVING GREATER ACCESS TO WORK

We are always proud of our staff and the hard work and dedication they have to improving people’s lives, however this year we were thrilled when one of our teams received praise from the Department of Work & Pensions for their work.

The Government has set an ambitious target of helping one million more disabled people into employment by 2027. Our Access to Work team deliver support to disabled people across Great Britain who need help to stay in their roles at work. This may be by giving them or their managers advice on ways of working, or through the recommendation of some sort of assistive technology. The team who deliver this vital support were recognised for their exceptional performance as they delivered this programme.

The DWP highlighted the team’s success and congratulated them on the levels of customer service and performance being achieved against key targets. The 40-strong team helps an average of 1,000 people through Access to Work assessments each month - which just goes to show how incredible their work really is.

GARETH’S STORY

“I had been out of work and on Universal Credit since Christmas. My confidence was low, I registered with Change Your Tomorrow project. Scott and Wayne have been great. They helped me with my CV. They encouraged me to join the job club so that I can practice talking to other people about my experience. I found this really helpful. I am not a wiz on computers. They helped me with this as well, and helped me build confidence applying online.

“They also helped me get more qualifications. I got a First Aid Certificate and a Level 1 and 2 NCFE customer service. Then I really put in effort to apply for different roles. I got two job interviews in 2 days! I read the interview packs over and over with Scott. Then I was offered a role as a cook at KFC on the spot.

“I am really excited about this, and the new opportunities it will give me in the future. I have to say that if it wasn’t for RBLI’s team in Bognor I would not be in work so soon. Since Christmas my confidence has been improving all the time. I could feel their commitment and drive for me, and it gave me strength.”

Change Your Tomorrow and Brighter Futures kindly funded by

LUCIA’S STORY

Lucia Gibson found it difficult to maintain eye contact and had a hushed tone when she first joined RBLI’s Brighter Futures project, funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Her progression coach said “Lucia was a young lady with no confidence and was very shy.”

However, with the help of the Brighter Futures project, Lucia was supported into work experience at a dog kennel - an ideal first step to boost confidence for an animal lover.

Just a few months later, and with a new-found sense of belief, Lucia secured rewarding employment. Becci added: “She is thoroughly enjoying her new independence.”

JAY’S STORY

Jay came to RBLI Chatham distressed and anxious about her financial situation. She was out of work and furthermore in debt to the water company.

“I tried to speak with her about job hunting but the anxiety about the water bill was overwhelming. We were able to have a thorough conversation about all her expenditure and utilities and I noticed her gas and electricity were very high. We sat together while she contacted them to discover she had indeed been over-paying for a long time and was due a refund.”

This cleared her water bill completely, and with money over, Jay was a changed person. “We were able to talk about job hunting, she attended our 6 week employability programme, and following this immediately secured a role as a receptionist at vet surgery. Jay has been there 10 weeks and has blossomed. It has been really incredible to see. She loves animals, she loves working, and her confidence is growing and growing.”

DOING IT TOGETHER

No man is an island, and neither is a charity. We couldn’t provide the services we do without help from our incredible network of supporters across the UK. We are also so grateful to our bank of hardworking volunteers, who selflessly give their time to help others.

16,293

Hours given by our volunteers during 2018/19

38% of RBLI volunteers declared that they have a disability

550 individual volunteers on our team

20 different roles across RBLI

As a diverse charity, we are able to provide a uniquely wide range of opportunities for volunteers to support. Whether as individuals or in teams from a company, those who kindly dedicate their time to RBLI provide us with essential resources and skills - meaning we can achieve more for the Armed Forces communities, and people with disabilities, who need our help.

RBLI receives more than 14,000 hours of support from over 300 individuals each year.

All of our volunteers dedicate their time across our range of services and divisions including office-based work, gardening and groundswork, factory work, mentoring and befriending, professional interviewing and excursions. This is essential in our holistic support to the Armed Forces community, people with disabilities and individuals who are out of work.

Clare volunteers in RBLI’s nursing home Gavin Astor House befriending the residents and helping RBLI’s Wellbeing Manager, Herve.

Clare would encourage others to volunteer at RBLI “Just do it – even if it is for a couple of hours – you will enjoy it! Everyone has been really supportive and helpful.”

CLARE’S STORY KATE’S STORY

After a life-changing head injury Kate started to volunteer with RBLI. She has now has progressed to working directly with the team helping other volunteers find vital work experience and regain their independence.

“I think volunteering, and in particular RBLI, has had a tremendous impact on my recovery.“

AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR

CENTENARY RIDE

Injured veterans, six former Gurkhas and two world record breaking grandads were amongst 100 cyclists who set off on a 150-mile cycle ride through the battlefields of the First World War to raise crucial funds for us this centenary year.

Every penny raised by the ride went directly to supporting vulnerable veterans through RBLI projects such as the Centenary Village.

Our thanks to Penny Dyson, Brendan Touhey MBE and the Friends of RBLI for making this happen.

OUR FIRST LEGACY CAMPAIGN

During this year, following a wonderful donation from Betty Underhill, RBLI also launched our first ever legacy giving campaign. Betty Underhill dedicated her life to supporting veterans and raising funds for veteran projects, emergency needs, and especially military family dependants. She sadly passed away in 2018 and at her funeral service the full extent of her dedication, energy and impact was inspirational. Betty was able to continue the impact of her life’s passion by making a gift to RBLI in her Will, helping us provide for many more older veterans and family dependants. Every legacy makes a long term impact like this and we were delighted that 5 solicitor firms joined us in helping promote our new campaign more widely. When the time is right for you, please remember RBLI in your Will.

RECORD-BREAKING GRANDADS

Two former paratroopers raised money for RBLI as they broke a world record by becoming the oldest pair to row any ocean.

Neil Young and Peter Ketley, who have a combined age of 123, completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, rowing 3000 nautical miles across the great ocean in just 63 days and 22 minutes early in 2019.

This amazing duo had never rowed before they embarked on training for this challenge! We are delighted that Neil and Peter are now RBLI Ambassadors.

£54k

3,000

259

raised from the Centenary Cycle Ride miles rowed by the Grandads fundraisers took part in at least one RBLI challenge

WALL OF HONOUR UNVEILED ON POIGNANT WWI ANNIVERSARY

As the nation fell silent in commemoration of the end of the First World War in November 2018, we proudly unveiled our Wall of Honour project which offers members of the public the opportunity to recognise loved ones through a bespoke plaque in a service we are delighted to continue after its unveiling at last year’s Armistice Day event.

The project, first launched in April of 2018, has seen more than 150 people from across the country honour their loved ones - each donating £100, all of which goes to RBLI’s services supporting Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities.

Three of those who took part in the project, Peter Ketley, Wendy Brimicombe, and Mike Mills, were selected to share their stories with those in attendance.

LEDLEY KING HONOURS RBLI VILLAGE AND ‘TOTTENHAM 16’ WITH A VISIT

Wendy spoke of her great uncle Albert Bursford, who at just 21 year of age, lost his life on the very first day of the battle of Cambrai in 1917.

She added: “A stray bullet entered the tank Albert was driving, killing him instantly. In an effort to lay him to rest, he was buried by nearby French farmers on their land.

“However, this impromptu grave only served as a brief place of remembrance for Albert’s sacrifice. It was unfortunately destroyed by shellfire later in the war.

“This left the family with no place of remembering his short but important life.

“Albert is now remembered on the Wall of Honour.”

To find out more about the project please visit rbli.co.uk/wallofhonour or email fundraising@rbli.co.uk

The veterans living across our Aylesford headquarters and working within our on-site factory were pleasantly surprised to meet and welcome former England international and Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King. The Wall features a special plaque to the Tottenham 16 players who served and fought together WWI, and who sadly did not all return.

Ledley said: “It’s been a privilege spending time here today, meeting some of the people RBLI support and hearing their stories. It’s fantastic to see first-hand the work the charity does to support ex-service personnel by giving them employment opportunities and accommodation.”

OUR PARTNERS

Thank you to all of our partners and funders for helping us to improve lives every day.

Over the past year RBLI has received incredible support from incredible individuals, trusts and companies whose financial gifts and support have made our work possible.

From the many supporters that took part in our fundraising challenges to those who attended our events, supported our campaigns, baked cakes, spread the word about our work – you are all amazing.

The many people who gave donations to us regularly, on our website, by direct debit or through the post, and the extraordinary people who left a gift in their Will – we are forever grateful for your kindness. Thank you.

We would also like to say a special thank you to the companies who engaged in exciting partnerships with RBLI and the foundations and trusts who funded our projects.

Our wonderful supporters have made community, independence and opportunity a reality this year.

Without these donations, RBLI could not continue its important work for those in need.