- Naval benevolence charity The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT) reveals that up to 500,000 Naval personnel and veterans and their dependants could be eligible for support, despite 57% of people not being familiar with charitable support available to them.
- As part of RNBT’s research into how to support struggling families in its centenary year, over a third (42%) of people admitted to being worried about going into debt in order to pay essential bills, and almost half of people (44%) said they will be cutting down on energy use to combat inflation.
- Two-thirds (69%) admitted to feeling stressed or angry with the current cost of living crisis.
- A third (29%) of people also admitted they are too embarrassed to find out what support might be available to them and over half (52%) think it’s too difficult to find out what support is available.
- The charity has given the equivalent of over £200 million in funding since its inception 100 years ago.
- Jenny Agutter OBE, Vice Patron of the RNBT, pledges her support for the Trust after growing up in a military family and having close ties to the care the RNBT provides.
- Those eligible can get started by visiting RNBT.org.uk or email help@rnbt.org.uk or call 02394 216294
The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT) is celebrating 100 years of giving crucial support to serving and former ratings of the Royal Navy and other ranks of the Royal Marines. As part of its centenary celebration, it has commissioned research across the UK which has revealed that families are struggling with the cost of living crisis, with worries about going into debt and energy prices top of their minds.
Established in 1922 under Royal Charter, the RNBT has grown into a major Naval benevolence charity, giving millions of pounds in grants yearly through financial assistance and support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines servicemen and women in need. Yet, despite the availability of grants for those in need, new research undertaken for the organisation has revealed that there are still up to 500,000 military personnel eligible for help from RNBT’s million-pound grant scheme, some of whom may be in need and have not asked for help, and over half of people (57%) are not familiar with charitable support that is available.
As part of the activity to celebrate the charity’s centenary, research was conducted to find out the most significant issues that people are facing in 2022, in order that the charity can offer the right levels of support. The research revealed that over a third (42%) of Brits are worried about going into debt in order to pay essential bills, and are in turn worried about the impact on their mental health, with almost half of people (44%) saying they will be cutting down on energy use to combat inflation.
The research conducted on behalf of the RNBT has shown that in the past year only 5% of all grants have been given to those aged 18 to 34 years old, despite research revealing that almost two-thirds (61%) of 18 to 34 year-olds are worried about going into debt in order to pay essential bills and are in turn worried about the impact on their mental health.
What’s more, over two-thirds (69%) of Britons admitted to feeling stressed, sad or angry with the current cost of living crisis, while a third (29%) of Britons are too embarrassed to find out what support might be available to them and half (52%) think it’s too difficult to find out what support is available.
In the past year alone, the RNBT has pledged over £161,000 in grants to support both former and serving Naval personnel to pay essential household bills and rent, with a more recent surge in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis. Anyone who has served as a Rating in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines other ranks and their dependants is eligible to apply for support from RNBT.
The RNBT has nearly £3million of funding available this year, which can be used to help towards living expenses, house repairs, disability aids, job training and care home top-up fees, and calls on current or former Naval personnel and their families to come forward to access RNBT’s life-changing support during the current increase in the cost of living.
Captain Nick Fletcher, Chairman of Trustees said:
“The RNBT’s commitment to those who have served, or are currently serving, is more important than ever before, with rapidly rising prices and other external stresses. Over the years I have witnessed the charity support those facing incredibly difficult times, and I’m proud of the impact we have been able to make on those who deserve it most and look forward to helping further in the future.”
Rob Bosshardt, CEO of the RNBT, also urged those eligible to come forward to help tackle concerns and apply for financial support, he said:
“I urge anyone from the naval family who needs help to get in touch with RNBT. The first call is always difficult, but you will be talking to someone who is keen to help. We want to make a crucial difference at this difficult time for Naval people and their families.”
Jenny Agutter OBE, Actress and Vice Patron of the RNBT said:
“I have had a longstanding relationship with the military after my dad served in the British Army, so I know first-hand the incredible work service men and women dedicate day in and day out.
“After my aunt moved into Pembroke House Care Home run by the RNBT, I joined the Trust as Vice Patron in 2021 and have since continued to see the amazing support it provides current and ex-service men and women and their dependants across the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. With the cost of living becoming ever more difficult, this is now more important than ever, and I encourage anyone with a tie to the Royal Navy or Royal Marines to get in touch with the RNBT and utilise the vital support they have to offer.”
