Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has shown his support for the Everyday Needs Grants Programme, which has been launched by the Royal British Legion and aims to assist veterans and serving personnel who need help with essentials.
Gwynne met with RBL representatives in Parliament last week, where he spoke about the importance of supporting veterans, and local initiatives including the Tameside Armed Services Community.
During the cost of living crisis, the Royal British Legion has seen a 20% rise in requests for support from veterans. While the cost of living crisis presents challenges across households in the UK general population, particular challenges facing the Armed Forces community may compound the impact of cost increases. RBL research has found that households containing working-age adults in the ex-service community were more than twice as likely to receive a sickness or disability benefit that UK adults. Disabled households on average face extra costs of £582.
The Every Day Needs Grants Programme is designed to provide support for kitchen appliances, clothes and energy costs. Applicable recipients include serving and ex-serving personnel, and the wider Armed Forces Community (including families, dependants, and carers). Those wishing to apply can do so here.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“It was wonderful to meet with the RBL team in Parliament earlier this month. Our Armed Forces sacrifice an enormous amount to keep us safe, and it really is horrifying to hear that service personnel, ex-service personnel and their families are being hit so hard by the cost-of-living crisis.
“The Everyday Needs Grant is a great initiative, and I’d encourage anyone across Denton and Reddish who is eligible and needs support to apply.
“In addition to this, I hope that the Government will do more to ensure that those who have served our country don’t have to face this cost of living crisis alone.”
Nicola Cook, Director of Specialist Services for the RBL, added:
“I was delighted to meet Andrew and we were grateful that he took the time to drop in.
“The RBL provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, from providing expert advice and guidance to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life. If a veteran, or their family, finds life difficult then we are there for them. Support and a listening ear will always be there, whatever the problem.
“We can be by their side every step of the way, supporting serving men and women, veterans and their families. We also campaign on behalf of the Armed Forces community to help improve their lives and make their voice heard.
“Our Armed Forces personnel are willing to risk everything to protect you, despite having never met you, and because of their unique contribution, the RBL will be there throughout their lives, whenever they need us.”
John Williams and Andrew Gwynne at The Royal British Legion North of England and Northern Ireland parliamentary reception. Photo by RBL/Mark Allan