‘I need to work for my family and for my self-esteem’
Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is the UK’S leading military charity providing employment, welfare and accommodation for veterans and their families. It was established in 1919, as Industrial Settlements Incorporated, to support troops returning from the First World War.
Lisa Farmer, RBLI’S chief executive, said: “We specialise in providing jobs and upskilling opportunities, a home in a welcoming and supportive community, along with the welfare support veterans need to overcome significant challenges and lead fulfilling independent lives.”
As a separate charity to the Royal British Legion, RBLI receives no funds from the annual Poppy Appeal. “We must raise our own funds to deliver our life-saving services for veterans and their families,” Ms Farmer explained.
Anil Gurung was 21, and 20 days from the end of a tour of Afghanistan in 2009, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device and had to have his right leg amputated.
For the past eight years the former Gurkha rifleman has been part of the team at RBLI’S Aylesford social enterprise factory, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, and is an expert sign maker, producing items for major road and rail infrastructure projects.
“My injury had a significant effect on me,” Anil said. “There was a point when I didn’t know if I’d be able to work again. I must work for my family but it’s more than that – I need it for my own self-esteem.”
He is one of six Gurkhas working in the factory’s signs department. After joining RBLI, he managed to secure a place in Team GB’S Sitting Volleyball line-up for the Invictus Games, taking home a gold medal in 2014 and a silver in 2016.
He has also completed extreme challenges to raise money for RBLI – even battling altitude sickness to climb to Mount Everest Base Camp. “Being around fellow veterans has been critical in me rebuilding my life,” Anil said. “Without the support of RBLI, I do not know where I would be.”
The charity said the level of support veterans need has risen significantly – especially for those living in RBLI accommodation.
“Many of the most disadvantaged individuals we support face compounded issues: mental ill health, financial difficulty, relationship breakdown – all of which can lead to homelessness,” said Ms Farmer.
Meanwhile, a threefold increase in the charity’s gas bill will increase the amount it must find to run care homes, social enterprise factories and emergency accommodation for homeless veterans.
“Your support is needed now more than ever so RBLI can continue to help our nation’s heroes,” Ms Farmer added.