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Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has been awarded a grant of £135,000 to help hundreds of veterans in Kent. This grant will fund the STEP-IN programme, which supports people with multiple complex health needs and severe disabilities.

STEP-IN programme

The STEP-IN programme will provide each of the 360 veterans with a tailored plan based on their own needs to give them the tools to overcome challenges and move them towards independence.

The programme will include activities from gardening and horticulture to music and fitness. It includes a partnership with nearby Aylesford School, where pupils will learn reading skills while giving the veterans tips on using computers.

Kent Freemasons visit RBLI

Mark Estaugh of Kent Freemasons, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the veterans in the RBLI village to get access to a wide range of activities, helping them keep their independence and improving their quality of life.

“These are people who have given a tremendous amount to our country and we’re proud to give something back to them.”

Steve Sherry CMG OBE, Chief Executive of RBLI, said: “With 100 years’ experience, we have produced a pioneering model of care, which is both cost effective and replicable, and which can help veterans overcome multiple challenges at once.

“Our STEP-IN programme tackles the growing demand for integrated care, and encompasses health, social care, welfare and employment in one single place to help the country’s most vulnerable veterans turn their lives around more quickly. And this generous gift from the Masonic Charitable Foundation will help us to support more veterans.”

Royal British Legion Industries

RBLI – which was established in 1919 in to support British troops returning from the First World War – provides care, accommodation, training and employment services to veterans and people with disabilities.

The charity has a diverse range of service and facilities and offers the full care pathway; from fully independent accommodation to high dependency on its Kent village which houses more than 300 residents.

The grant will also help deliver community events for veterans of all ages and the local community – including a Christmas market and summer concerts.