Who are they?
The Royal British Legion serves as the hub of a nationwide system dedicated to helping those who have served in the armed forces.
They’ve been around through good times and bad, making sure their special contribution isn’t forgotten. They arrived in 1921 and will remain until their services are no longer required.
With 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers, and a network of partners and organisations, they are the largest Armed Forces charity in the country and provide aid wherever it is needed.
Provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families
The Royal British Legion‘s assistance begins on the first day of service and continues for the rest of a veteran’s life.
They will be there for you every step of the way, from getting you back on your feet after an injury to easing your transition back into civilian life. Indeed, it’s not just servicemen and women who are affected, but also their families.
If for some reason they are unable to assist, they will likely know someone who can.
They give the Armed Forces community a voice
The Royal British Legion is a group that advocates for current and former military members and their families in order to better the quality of life for them and ensure that their opinions are heard. People are regularly asked to lend their assistance, which is a strategy that helps them achieve their goals.
Who is eligible?
The Royal British Legion‘s mission is to provide assistance to all members of the Armed Forces community, including current and former service members, their families, and those who care for them. This includes:
- Persons now serving or who have previously served who have received at least one day of pay and were at least 16 years old when they served.
- Reserve or Auxiliary personnel, or those who have previously served.
- Those who have served with the Mercantile Marine afloat in hostile waters.
- Current or previous full-time members of Allied Civil Police Forces.
- Those who served directly with or under the direction of the British Navy, Army, or Air Force are eligible to receive the Campaign Medal.
- Any person who has served in the United Kingdom Armed Forces full-time in uniform is eligible for membership in a Voluntary Aid Society.
- One who is a citizen of the United Kingdom by birth or naturalisation and who served for at least one day in the armed forces of an Allied nation during hostilities and was paid by that nation is eligible for citizenship.
- A person with British citizenship by birth or naturalisation who served in an Allied resistance organisation during wartime hostilities.
- Any person who served in the Home Guard for at least six months, or in a Bomb and Mine Disposal Unit for at least three months.
- Any person who was awarded the Defence Medal in respect of service in the Home Guard or in a Bomb and Mine Disposal Unit.
Every poppy shows you care about the lives of the Armed Forces Community
They ask that you join them in honouring those who have served and sacrificed this year by giving generously to the Poppy Appeal in your area. They couldn’t keep helping military members, veterans, and their families if it weren’t for people like you and other volunteers.
Poppy Appeal 2022
The Royal British Legion has officially begun their 2022 Poppy Appeal campaign. Keep an eye out for Poppy Appeal collectors as they travel the United Kingdom; purchase your poppy from them or other community members.
In 2022, the Royal British Legion‘s Poppy Appeal will emphasise the importance of showing support for the Armed Forces community by purchasing a poppy and donating to the RBL.
Donations can be made in a number of different methods, among which are:
- Cash
- Contactless terminal
- QR code quick link to our website
Important dates for this year’s Poppy Appeal and commemoration period are as follows:
National launch: Thursday 27th October.
Cardiff City Poppy Day: Saturday 29th October
Leeds Poppy Day: Tuesday 1st November
London Poppy Day: Thursday 3rd November
Gatwick City Poppy Day: Friday 4th November
Bristol City Poppy Day: Saturday 5th November
Manchester City Poppy Day: Saturday 5th November
Birmingham Poppy Day: Tuesday 8th November
2-minute silence: Friday 11th November
Festival of Remembrance: Saturday 12th November
Remembrance Sunday: Sunday 13th November
Is my poppy recyclable?
After Remembrance Day, bring your Royal British Legion poppy back to your local Sainsbury’s to be recycled.
Instead of a paper poppy, you may show your support with an enamel pin from our Poppy Shop, which features a variety of designs to choose from.
They’re dedicated to minimising the usage of disposable plastic in the production of Poppy Appeal goods. Already, they have made adjustments that will eliminate the usage of nearly 8 million single-use plastic items, and they are constantly searching for new ways to lessen the environmental effect of their Poppy Appeal goods.
About The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion is a charitable organisation that provides financial, social and emotional support to members of the British Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. The Legion was founded in 1921 to help those who had served in the First World War, and it now has over 1.6 million members. The Legion provides support through a variety of programmes and services, including financial assistance, housing advice, and personalised support for those dealing with mental health issues. The Legion also organises annual events such as the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Sunday, which help to raise awareness of the needs of veterans and their families. The Royal British Legion is an important organisation that provides vital support to those who have served our country.
