Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is a charity based in the UK that helps Armed Forces veterans, disabled people and people who are unemployed. It runs a social enterprise, Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company,[1] a UK-wide employment support programme for Armed Forces veterans, Lifeworks,[2][3] a variety of housing for veterans and their families, as well as running back-to-work support for people who have been long-term unemployed or have a disability/health condition. RBLI's headquarters are in Aylesford, Kent, however they support the Armed Forces community nationwide. RBLI (charity number 210063) is a separate charity from The Royal British Legion (charity number 219279).

History

RBLI was established in 1919 to support WW1 Armed Forces veterans fighting tuberculosis. First known as Industrial Settlements Inc, the charity was originally run from Preston Hall in Aylesford.

Over time, the charity has expanded its charitable goals and now support veterans from many backgrounds, as well as people with disabilities and people who are unemployed.

In 2011, RBLI's social enterprise, Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company, took part in Operation Big Build, creating a lifesize replica of the GraveDigger in K'Nex.

In 2013 the charity won Charity of the Year at the Charity Times Awards.[4]

In 2016, they relaunched their social enterprise, naming it Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company,[5] and gave evidence to the government's work and pensions committee regarding the disability employment gap.

In 2017, they opened 24 new apartments for wounded, injured and homeless veterans.[6]

In 2019, On 6th November 2019 Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the new Appleton Lodge care facility and visited the Centenary Village housing project.[7]

In 2022, RBLI were selected as part of the Telegraph's Christmas charity Appeal. One of four chosen charities supported in the appeal [8]

Village and other locations

The RBLI village is based in Aylesford and is home to a number of facilities for veterans and their families along with private housing, The village surrounds Preston Hall, and consists of the Capel Morris Centre, which is home to Lifeworks. Bradbury House and Appleton Lodge are two care homes on the site, and Greenwich House and Queen Elizabeth Court are assisted living facilities.

Mountbatten Pavilion, a specialist emergency housing facility for veterans is also housed on the village.

Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Co is also housed in the RBLI Village in Aylesford, specialising in making Signs for both road and rail projects, along with wooden products such as pallets and agricultural boxes.

Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company (part of BBMC) has a manufacturing facility in Erskine, Scotland and also makes signage for road and rail.

BBMC operates Leatherhead Print & Mail, a printing facility in Leatherhead specialising in printed marketing material and fulfilment.

References

  1. ↑ "Veteran enterprise lands rail signage contract". Kent Online. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
  2. ↑ Sherry, Steve (2016-10-31). "My work with military veterans shows how Britain can help disabled people find work". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
  3. ↑ "About | LifeWorks". www.wearelifeworks.org.uk. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
  4. ↑ "RBLI takes top award - Army&You". Army&You. 2013-10-23. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
  5. ↑ "Royal British Legion Industries' social enterprise manufacturing division launches as Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company - Cobseo". Cobseo. 2016-04-25. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
  6. ↑ "Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon opens new RBLI apartments | Charity Today News". Charity Today News. 2017-09-15. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
  7. ↑ "Our History | RBLI". 2019-12-05. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  8. ↑ Gibson, Fiona (2022-11-05). "Christmas Charity Appeal 2022: Our four chosen charities face great challenges – we need your help". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
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