Earlier this year, the Army Benevolent Fund was delighted to award a £108,000 grant to Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), to fund refurbishment costs at its accommodation village for military veterans.
Our charity is committed to ensuring that all members of the Army family can live in safe and suitable homes. RBLI provides unique integrated care for around 340 veterans and their families on the charity’s 75-acre village in Aylesford, Kent. The village includes single-living apartments, family homes, emergency hostel accommodation for veterans at risk of homelessness and care homes.
Our grant funded the costs of recently refurbishing some village homes originally built in the 1930s, and last fitted with new windows in the 1980s. Currently, 17 Army veterans live in these properties, some of them with health conditions and other social challenges. They needed help to maintain energy efficient homes and continue to live independently.
Residents on the estate are delighted with the work. Steve, a veteran, who has lived there with his wife for seven years, and chairman of the Residents Committee, said:
“The installation went smoothly, and the product is top quality. We are already feeling the benefits and are looking forward to a comfortable winter.” Lydia, another resident, said: “The windows are lovely, and they definitely keep the noise out. You can’t hear the wind or rain either.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“RBLI has been helping military veterans for over a hundred years and is one of our closest partners. Our charity is always ready to do what we can to help provide suitable homes for veterans, especially those with additional needs. We were proud to make this grant earlier this year to fund improvements to the properties.”
Read more about the RBLI village here.
