To stop the Royal British Legion closing the 4 Break Centres across the UK and Handy van Service.

Comments

#2802

I believe these places are most important to the welfare of those using them, yes they cost money to run, but isn't that part of the reason we collect for the Poppy appeal to help run these places and support those in need of our help,

Alby Oldham (Ramsey, 2019-12-05)

#2804

My mum's friend has been to stay at the Byng in Southport a few times. In April she will be 90 and looking forward to be allowed to go each year.

sheila johnson (lancashire, 2019-12-05)

#2805

I'm signing this petition because I believe the closure of RBL break centres goes against everything the Royal British Legion stands for. Money is donated for the purpose of caring for our veterans. Whilst there are many ways of doing this, I feel the break centres play a very important part.

Angela Mills (Ballycastle, 2019-12-05)

#2806

i need this holiday ,its a godsend.

sheila Woods (Newtownabbey, 2019-12-05)

#2809

I have had several breaks at bennet house which were greatly appreciated

James Barrett (Ballynahinch, 2019-12-05)

#2811

I have used this facility in the past which helped me

Cyril Kerr (Enniskillen , 2019-12-05)

#2813

Self not service

samuel kerr (Ballymoney , 2019-12-05)

#2815

Byng House and the other British Legion hotels are vitally important for so many armed forces veterans and their families/carers. It is the very least we can do for these wonderful people.

John Sinnott (Accrington , 2019-12-05)

#2817

This goes against what the Legion stands for

Al Ashworth (Wellingborough, 2019-12-05)

#2819

This goes against what the Legion stands for

Ann Ashworth (Wellingborough, 2019-12-05)

#2820

I'm a Veteran. I'm Legion. I'm a Rider.
Don't do this.

Trevor Eves (Manea, 2019-12-05)

#2822

The legion was set up to help the very people is trying to now abandon

mike crompton (march, 2019-12-05)

#2826

As a disabled veteran this place is a lifeline to me and others like me. I have supported RBL for my entire 24 yr career and now when I need something back the right is pulled well and firmly from under my feet. It is disgraceful that no consultation process has been given to take feedback from the service users.
As reports filter through in the media about the MANY millions held in reserve at RBL, my question would be to if they close these centres; where is all the money actually going. There is fewer and fewer grants and donations being made to veterans in need. Does someone have something to answer to about misappropriation of funds!!

Barbara Goudie (Cumnock , 2019-12-06)

#2830

As a legion member, I feel it fundamentally wrong to go ahead with these closures. The respite centres are an essential part of the services and facilities offered by the legion

Graham Hillier (Malpas, 2019-12-06)

#2833

The RBL is moving away from the basic fundamental foundation that it was set up for.

David Bedford (Finedon , 2019-12-06)

#2835

I’m signing this because I care 💔 x

Caroline Johnstone (Glasgow, 2019-12-07)

#2838

We need these centers

Elizabeth Mulligan (Lanark, 2019-12-07)

#2840

I disagree with the way headquarters RBL is going, it seems they just want money these facilities always have been well spoke of from those that have attended them. And Handy van always was good for those that needed it, I speak Asan ex Case worker

Brian Henderson (Wellingborough , 2019-12-07)

#2841

There’s is a great need for these centres and will be for a long time more than your need for a bonus time you thought about the grunts on the ground

James Poulton Snr (Hamilton , 2019-12-07)

#2844

All veterans deserve a quite to go and relax.Slso there families.

Samuel Alexander (Ballynahinch, 2019-12-07)

#2847

As a veteran I am disgusted that the RBL are closing these centres that do so much good work with veterans

John Potter (Banbridge , 2019-12-07)

#2849

I am a member and do not want to see these Break Centres close.

Brian McDonald (Londonderry , 2019-12-07)

#2850

I’m signing this petition because I think bennet house is an important facility for the veterans of Northern Ireland.

Cliffy Sands (Belfast , 2019-12-07)

#2851

Because my mother served in the RUC Reserve for 30 years and Bennett House offers her a break on the North Coast. Never forget the brave sacrifice these people made.

Adrian Ferson (Magherafelt , 2019-12-07)

#2853

There a valuable assest in assisting veterans and their families.

George Pate (Paterson , 2019-12-07)

#2855

I do not believe in these closing off any rest bite homes they are there for the vets and members of TRBL and not for there benefits give back some of there wages

Andrew Miller (London, 2019-12-07)

#2856

I am disgusted with the RBL trustees for failing to sto this nonsense

John Jines (ENNISKILLEN , 2019-12-07)

#2857

I am signing because I myself was send to Bennett house after I came out of hospital after 4 opon my ankle the ladies look after me were great and it will be missed if you were to closed it.

William Davis (Newry, 2019-12-07)

#2859

Absolute disgrace that they are closing these centres. I’m a veteran of 26 years serving Queen and country and I’m lucky I haven’t had the need to use these but there are vulnerable veterans out there that use these facilities and they need to stay open

William David Topping (Rathfriland Co Down, 2019-12-07)

#2860

I'm disgusted that the rbl can contemplate in closing all the respite houses in the UK and taking this away from veterans who badly need it

Stephen Adams (Banbridge , 2019-12-08)

#2862

I believe these houses play a vital role in the lives of so many of our veterans

Colin Whiteside (Newry, 2019-12-08)

#2864

I think it's a disgrace that the trustees should be taking this action to such an important facility to veterans in N.Ireland as there is next to none here compared to GB and especially as the RBL has millions in the band.

Mark Leacock (Bangor, 2019-12-08)

#2865

I am a Queen’s Regiment and a Ulster Defence Regiment Veteran

David Ward-Gough (Caterham , 2019-12-08)

#2868

We should support our armed forces and their families whether they are serving or veterans. These centres are extremely valuable for this support.

Marian Forbes (Princetown , 2019-12-08)

#2873

I was hoping to use bennett house at some point as i'd heard good reports. Considering the millions the RBL have sitting in bank, maybd lay off some senior staff members that prob do nothing to keep helping veterans!

Shonagh Russell (Larne, 2019-12-08)

#2874

I think this is an amazing facility that if closed would be depriving some members who cannot afford to holiday abroad, some who cannot travel far and thus depend on facilities like this. Whenever I have tried to book into Portrush it had been full, that must be a good sign.

Wayne Curtis (Lisburn , 2019-12-08)

#2877

The Break Centres and the Handy Van service are a vital part of the Legion's support offering to our community.

John Black (Earthcott Green, 2019-12-08)

#2881

This is the wrong decision. I am a member of the Thornbury branch of the RBL and raise money continuously for the RBL and we, the members, should have a say - my vote is to keep them open as they are vital for the well being of members, family and veterans.

Michael Mills (Thornbury, 2019-12-08)

#2883

I am horrified at this decision.
Your forgetting why you exist.
Get a grip man (DG)

John Romanes (Glasgow , 2019-12-08)

#2885

I think it sinful that places of help and relaxation are to be taken away from our veterans.

Jan Ferguson (Ramsey, 2019-12-08)

#2888

I am signing because I believe the decision to close the 4 respite break homes, is a very bad decision by the director general and the board of trustees, a consultation with the membership should be made before closing these centres. And the timing of the announcement just after Remembrance Sunday the end of the Poppy Appeal, dhows those senior staff in charge have
no clear notion of what damage it has caused to our reputation, the moral of our volunteers and membership, one word to describe it a disgrace.

Richard Dodds (Rowley Regis , 2019-12-08)

#2891

These centres helped my brother when he was terminally ill

Andrew Teakel (Bristol , 2019-12-08)

#2896

Iam heartbroken about this proposed closure of bennet house iam here at the moment wih my disabled husband its the only break he gets he enjoys it so much its the only place our veterans have in northern Ireland

Joan Acheson (Derrygonnelly , 2019-12-08)

#2899

depriving veterans of these vital services.

Peter McKernon (Catterick Garrison , 2019-12-08)

#2900

I believe it to be an essential service in Northern Ireland

Patricia Roleston (Dungannon, 2019-12-08)

#2903

I am signing because I do not want Bennett House in Portrush to be closed, it's a very valuable respite break centre for veterans and their families and the only one of it's kind in Ulster.

Francis Gilmore (Newry, 2019-12-08)

#2904

The service is too valuable to lose and the Legion is sitting on huge reserves that should be used precisely for these services.

Rob Hina (Dursley, 2019-12-08)

#2906

These are much needed assets for our loyal comrades

Mark Gannon (IPSWICH, 2019-12-08)

#2907

There are Veterans in my area that really need support and can only contact local members as a member of 40plus years I no how important it is to keep open local branches to keep that spirit of comrade ship alive

Joseph Bonser (Nottinham , 2019-12-09)

#2909

It's very much needed by vet

Alan Atkin (Belfast, 2019-12-09)

#2911

It’s the right thing to do

Sharon Burns (London , 2019-12-09)

#2912

Disgusting they are thinking of closing these

Andrew Clifford (Nottingham, 2019-12-09)

#2916

Aftercare services for veterans in this country are already poor without taking away these vital and much needed centres.

Ruth Porter (Belfast, 2019-12-09)

#2917

This is a vital service for veterans and their families

Julie Wilson (Mansfield , 2019-12-09)

#2919

As a member of TRBL I am dedicated to looking after the older veterans for whom the Legion was founded - those who are lonely, isolated, aged, infirm or physically less well. The Break Centres are a valuable lifeline for such people not only for the rest and sense of well-being they provide to those who are lucky enough to get a place after a lengthy wait on a waiting list but also because of the daily facilities on offer - coffee clubs, social events etc which fulfil a need for many of those we honour and now should serve. Of course we should help look after the younger veterans but not at the expense of the elderly.

William Sergeant (Liverpool, 2019-12-09)

#2920

I have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed it, I wouldn't be able to afford a holiday with my kids so this place is invaluable.

Brett Squires (Liverpool, 2019-12-09)

#2924

Having stayed at a respite centre I know what a great thing will be lost if they were to close.Theyou are staffed by some of the most wonderful people I have had the pleasure to meet.

David Simpspn (Belper, 2019-12-09)

#2925

Having had the benefit of 2 breaks at Byng House, Southport I have found these very therapuetic. Meeting fellow veterans and chatting about our experiences helps as I live alone. Please keep these very important and gelpful places open.

Stephen Bradbury (stoke on trent, 2019-12-09)

#2927

I fully support this petition and the RBL should not close the 4 UK Break Centres.

Lesley Jackson (Liverpool, 2019-12-09)

#2928

This is an outrages move by the RBL who had received £42m + in the 2019/20 poppy appeal. This money is for the treatment & help of our veteran's. The people who did this review have no knowledge of service related illness & are doing this to ratify Their salary,,,SHAMEFUL.! Let the normal Branch Members run the poppy break centre's. They will do it with being prudent & employing many ex-veteran's who need work, which in turn will help them with service related illness & confidence. Come on you desk pusher's, you at least should respect our veteran's. Motto for Legion. " Service not Self" Not ruddy likely with you lot is it?

Billy Allott (Burnley, 2019-12-09)

#2929

Veterans in NI are already at a disadvantage, removing this facility is outrageous and a slap in the face to all who have served from NI.
THINK AGAIN!

Samuel Young (Lisburn , 2019-12-09)

#2932

These Break Centes provide a much needed service & any decision about their future should only be made by all the members attending National Conference.

John Bowers (Ilford, 2019-12-09)

#2933

Start listening to the ordinary members the Legion who do not want this to happen

Antoinette Pindar (Watford, 2019-12-09)

#2935

It is wrong to close these places which are seen as a lifeline for many people.

Anthony Hendra (Truro, 2019-12-10)

#2938

keep the centres open they are very much needed

Tony O'Kell (Warrington, 2019-12-10)

#2941

I'm signing because I feel really strongly that the importance of the RBL respite homes, and in particular Bennet House in Portrush, cannot be underestimated. Northern Ireland's ex-servicemen need to know that there is somewhere 100% safe where they can physically and mentally relax. Older veterans cannot easily travel to the mainland so to have a base on the North coast is essential.

Sharman Wilson (GARVAGH, 2019-12-10)

#2942

I'm signing because this service helps veterans and their families cope with the stresses of everyday life. They are a much-needed facility.

Kathryn Freeburn (Deeside, 2019-12-10)

#2944

My husband is ex forces sources British Legion do a fantastic job for members of the forces at and ex Forces Veterans and their family there is not enough help out there for these guys you should not be closing anything. British Legion is the only charity that you can rely on if you give money it goes back into the Armed Forces so that is why I am signing this petition well one of the reasons

Tracy Keatley (Warrington , 2019-12-10)

#2945

I'm signing because these centres are invaluable to the service personnel who need them. More support is needed, not less. Please do not turn your back on those who did there duty. They did turn their backs when they were needed.

Anne Thornhill (Preston, 2019-12-10)

#2947

I have been to one of the poppy centres and have had a very welcome and needy break

Deryck Foster (Deeside , 2019-12-10)

#2949

I have used Bennet House and it is important that veterans and their families can avail of much needed respite breaks

martin carey (Banbridge , 2019-12-10)

#2953

I disagree with the proposal to close the poppy break centres

Phil Jennett (Widnes , 2019-12-11)

#2954

I fully support the Poppy Appeal to help look after serving and ex serving personnel, to deprive them of this facility is disgusting. And could loose you supporters.

Lilian Coady (Warrington , 2019-12-11)

#2955

As a volunteer caseworkerI have seen the benefit that these facilities and services provide.

Jacqueline Jones (Cheshire, 2019-12-11)

#2957

I am totally opposed to this decision. The Break Centres are a absolute necessity. 1 or 2 weeks Break there, is all some Vets can manage. Ift is about time that the people in Haig House, listened to the views of the Membership. Cost cutting is not the way forward. Raising more money is the answer..

John Burns (St Helens, 2019-12-11)

#2959

I’m a supporter of the British Legion

Melvyn Jones (Bolton, 2019-12-11)

#2960

Stayed at Byng House 04/12/19-11/12/19 inclusive and, whilst there saw a GREAT need for this facility. I can only assume that the other centres provide the same as Byng House.
So British Legion, please have further discussions/forums as to the future of these four centres.

John Millar (Manchester, 2019-12-12)

#2962

The facilities offered and respite at our nearest centre Byng House, Southport is an amazing facility that offers much needed respite to those who have served this country.

Helen Gaskell (Skelmersdale , 2019-12-12)

#2963

I am a member of the RBL and I have served. I appreciate the economic reasoning behind the closures and the evolving nature of the RBL. However, I do not believe that the ethos and camaraderie of these havens of peace and respite can be replicated.

Tony MeNy (Cork, 2019-12-12)

#2964

I disagree with the proposed closure of the Poppy Break Centres

Andrea Dearden (Widnes, 2019-12-12)

#2967

Believe they should be kept open.

Darren Connor (Wigan, 2019-12-13)

#2970

Byng House is badly needed. We have nothing else like it in the area.

Linda Barrett (Southport, 2019-12-13)

#2972

Iam x service soldier from northern Ireland I have stayed in bennet house and have found respite fantastic to close the centre is disgraceful is time the RBL remember what there duty is same as we did in the crown forces and still do to this day as RBL members

Thomas James Wilkinson (Cookstown, 2019-12-13)

#2974

I believe the decision has been made some time ago by trustees who have little knowledge of needs.

Janice McGarry (Ballyclare , 2019-12-18)

#2975

We have stopped at Byng House and so appreciated the poppy break after two traumatic years. We met wonderful veterans and their families who agreed these breaks helped them find some peace and hope after terrible suffering. Some were war veterans with ptsd. Others relatives who had lost a veteran loved one,. These breaks and the Admiral Nurses play an essential part in our recovery. Please reconsider and keep them open. Thank you

Christine Hunt (BLACKBURN, 2019-12-18)

#2977

I have attended courses here and Veteran friends and comrades have had great well needed breaks here.

Ken Skilling (Antrim , 2019-12-19)

#2979

Please keep this centre open. It is a life line to those that need it. Keep it open!

Ryan Lemon (Belfast, 2019-12-19)

#2983

Our veterans deserve this

Trish Graham Middleton (Sudbury, 2019-12-19)

#2985

Break centres are an essential support

Paul Cutner (Southport, 2019-12-20)

#2988

Our hero’s need a place to go

Dean Jackson (Weston Super mare , 2019-12-21)

#2990

These respite homes are a vital lifeline to veterans including our Branch President when his good lady wife passed a few months ago and was responsible for him coping with the bereavement process. I am totally appalled at this unnecessary acts of total madness. I have read the questions and the replies which has been given which in my and other view is hogwash.

Geoff G (Prestatyn, 2019-12-21)

#2995

We are lossing so may parts of the town,i know so may people who come and stay and love the staff and there stay

Valerie Monkman (Weston super mare, 2019-12-21)

#2998

The retired deserve this, and is disrespectful to close these centres that have helped so many retired civil servants.

Kurstin Watson (Omagh, 2019-12-21)



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