b'ROYAL BRITISH LEGION INDUSTRIES IMPACT REPORT 2021Young, single male veterans, for example, canwill support in excess of 1,500 Royal Navystruggle to access social housing and can oftenveterans and their dependants in its first 25 years.find themselves living on the streets. Without a fixedRNRMC funding was initially used to create a address, securing and holding down a job becomes Part of the RBLI Village in Aylesford, home to over 300unachievable and results in the inevitable downwardcentral dining room in the heart of Centenary members of the Armed Forces community spiral of financial hardship and daily struggles toVillage in Greenwich House, a communal space make ends meet. where residents congregate and socialise with one another. Additional funding in 2021 by the RNRMC has enabled the construction of an additionalI am very conscious that ourdining facility and multi-functional space in Gavin Astor House, a specialist dementia care facility in veterans, particularly from recentthe Village, purposely designed with an emphasisoperations, many of whom wereon space and social interaction which will allow family members to spend quality time with their young when they experiencedloved ones and participate in joint activities.GENERAL SIR GORDONlife-changing injuries, will needNigel was a submariner from 19751998. He MESSENGER KCB DSO* our support for decades to come.often talks about his active duty during theOBEFalklands conflict. The team at Royal British Legion we need to be there for them. Industries helped Nigels daughter to repatriate him General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO* OBE,after he suffered a stroke at his home in Portugal. His daughter lived in the north of England and didnt Centenary Village Campaign Patron and Vicehave much contact with him. When he moved into President RNRMC the Centenary Village, Nigel only had the clothes he stood up in and was without any furniture or personal possessions. He was in desperate need of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity PROTECTING DIGNITY AND PROMOTINGpartnered with Royal British Legion Industries,effective hearing aids. Since the move, both Nigels a national leader in veteran housing, disabilitygeneral health, hearing and communication have INDEPENDENCE FOR OLDER ANDemployment, social enterprise and holistic careimproved dramatically. He has made good friends in 2021, approving a significant capital grantand is in a place that he can truly call home.towards the RBLI Centenary Village, a collection VULNERABLE ROYAL NAVY VETERANS of accessible, purpose-built homes, assistedDiana served in the Womens Royal NavalService and is 98 years old. Her family members living accommodation and family homes. Onelive in South Africa. She is thriving in the Assisted We are entering a new generation of veteran care. As the nations elderly veterans are livingof the unique aspects of the Centenary Village isLiving setting of the Centenary Village, and totally the holistic wrap-around support tailored to eachunrecognisable from the withdrawn person who first longer, so the requirement for their care is becoming more complex and comprehensive.moved in. The facility affords easy access Having the opportunity to sit in front of the fire and talk openly about myand every resident, supporting them on a path to curr ran seesses and physical difficulties mak gaining new skills, finding sustained and rewardingto outdoor spaces and Diana enjoys feeding the Veteent str rvicemen and women from more reces me awarent conflicte that my situation is s, many of whom bear the long-term physical and mentae is light at the end of the tunnel. employment, and, ultimately living fully independent not unique and therl scars from their service face enormous challenges to normal daily life.resident squirrel population as well as benefitingThe next decades will be critical for those who fought in recent conflicts in terms of providing alives. Once complete, the new 24-bed Greenwichfor regular interaction with a therapy dog which House Assisted Living home, and wider Centenaryvisits residents.comprehensive safety net of care and support.Village expansion of apartments and family homes 46 47'