Many people in Kent want to do more than simply say 'thank you'
when they recieve help and support from us. So we have recently
started to invite them to become Poppy Ambassadors.
Our Poppy Ambassdors are men and women of all ages that have
received help from The Royal British Legion in Kent. They attend
some of our events around the County to talk about their military
experiences, their personal stories and (for many of them) how
support they've received has helped them to rebuild their
lives.
We think their stories are special, and they were happy for us
to share them with you here - so please follow the links and meet
some of our Poppy Ambassadors.
It helps so many
people. I've always known about the RBL, but never realised
how much work goes on and how much help they can give. It's
not until you ask for their help that you realise what they can do
for you.
They help so many service men and women with their
wonderful help and advice. They don't only help those that
have served. They help their whole
family....
Our latest Poppy Ambassadors Steven and Nicola's stories
can be read
here.
"The RBL is a fantastic organisation. Without
their help I don't know where I would be at this time in my
life.
I am, and will continue to encourage people to
support the RBL's Poppy Appeal. What they do, words cannot
explain. The hard work and dedication they put in for people
to have a better quality of life".
"Wanted a great career and to be part of the
world's most respected fighting force.
Great memory of Zimbabwe and Brunei. Back in
97 worked hard and played hard".
"The RBL provides a focal point for the ex-service
community, giving an identity to those with difficulties adjusting
to civilian life. The motto "Service not Self" reflects the
attitudes of ex-servicemen and the diverse range of help and
remembrance. Through the RBL network enables the whole ex-service
community to embrace hardship and difficulties with dignity - a
quite invaluable service!
Lasting memory - being awarded the Green Beret,
Falklands War, Edinburgh Tattoo."
"The Legion are our 'Angels'. We returned from
the Gambia with 2 suitcases and nothing else in the world.
Without the help of the RBL we do not know where we would have
ended up. Despite the tolerance of relatives and friends,
patients was, understandably wearing thin and the RBL at least gave
us the opportunity to buy our own food."
click to
see their stories in full.
Raymond Frederick Turner
"I always put a £1 in the tin, bought my poppy, went
on parade, but I never thought about
where the money went and never thought it had anything to do with
me."
Lisa Booth
"I have found everyone I've dealt with very helpful,
considerate and non judgemental. As a
whole "being" I believe that the RBL offer much needed support and
welfare network, not only for veterans
but for people like myself, who are in serious need of
emotional support, financial help or
pretty much anything else actually! You start with a voice
at the end of a telephone, either Legion
line or a local office, and literally go from there.
I doubt I'd have got through the past few
months without their continued support
and guidance, so you could say that the RBL are
lifesavers."
Eddie Holness
"I needed help constantly, and found about the RBL
through SSAFA. The RBL enabled me to have a new cooker,washing
machine,TV and food vouchers. I also had counselling and a person
to talk to. The RBL has enabled me to be here and write
this."
Brad Russell
"The RBL have given me inspiration to turn my life
around, as I was so humbled by the help I received
and the kind understanding which was shown. The RBL has
also helped me in so many ways, not just
financially, but gave me the strength to finally combat alcoholism.
The holiday I had with my children will
stay in our memories forever."
William Noble
"The RBL have given me an interest in giving
something back, possibly as a caseworker."
Vackacegh Nicholas Bennion
"Transferring to civilian life was a bit of a
challenge, as the briefing was totally different to
actually experiencing it. There were a
few difficulties I encountered. Financially money was difficult,
finding work, understanding the laws and
system that entitles you to certain benefits and many
more."
Paul Anthony Grieve
"I have found that the legion runs an excellent
service, and I'm sure if they were not
doing their sterling work, many ex service personal
would not be here now."
Lee Wickham
"The Royal British Legion to me is a fantastic
organisation, who really does strive to help those in
need, and do an amazing job in doing so. But what I
will also say is that I do feel a lot of younger
people who could benefit from what the RBL offer, have
a perception that the RBL is only for the
elder generation. It could maybe make itself more aware
that the RBL is there for all ages."
Click here to see their stories
in full
Russell Roberts...
"Being a proud man I found it difficult to ask
for help....The art materials supplied by the RBL enable me to
escape from my dark place from time to time. The art allows me to
give something back too"
Click here to hear
Russ's story in full.
STOP PRESS: Great news, Russ has donated one of his paintings
for us to auction at our Poppy Supporter Day to raise funds for the
Poppy Appeal. Thanks Russ.
Joseph Hayes...
"Quite simply, without the Legion's help, we would
not have got through these 3 years without devastating effect on
our lives and marriage, thank you. The staff and thousands of
volunteers throughout each county, should be awarded a medal of the
highest honour for the tireless time and effort extended to people
in need."
Click here to hear
Joseph's story in full.
Joyce Adams...
"This help from the Royal British Legion has
made me completely independent - which a really valuable gift. I am
able to get into town and do my shopping and I'm also able to visit
friends. I would encourage people to support the Royal
British Legion because of the wonderful practical support available
to the Armed Services and their families".
Click here to hear
Joyce's story in full.
Michael Hallam....
"I cannot wait for the opportunity to give something
back to you guys… to help in any way I can… to shout from the
highest rooftops about all the good work you do and how YOU as
individuals can transform lives, not just one, but many by your
deeds".
Click here to
hear Michael's story in full.
