Official opening held for Brighton Royal British Legion Centre

A Royal British Legion 'Pop-In' Advice and Information Centre has just been launched on Queens Road, Brighton.

Like the others of its kind, the centre provides a place where veterans and Armed Forces personnel can receive advice and help, and the public can discover more about the Legion's work.

The Brighton centre, situated close to the train station, is the fourth so far launched out of 16 that are opening in UK major cities.

Its June 27th launch saw service members, civic dignitaries and others in attendance.

Legion beneficiary Brian Hill officially opened the centre, having been asked to cut the ribbon by Terry Whittles, the charity's national vice chairman.

"Sussex, Surrey and Kent boast a strong Service tradition. With that comes a sizeable veteran community – and a clear necessity for the Legion's services," commented Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field.

He added that the variety of support and advice provided at the centre is outstanding. It will not be long before the team there makes a genuine difference across the trio of counties, he added.

The Legion's local team has paid-out close to £3,990,000 worth of grants in Surrey, Sussex and Kent during the past year, to help members of the Services community.

In the same time frame they arranged 85 breaks, took on 825 new cases and helped 96 beneficiaries via the Benefits and Money Advice service.

"My team is totally committed to providing the best possible service for members of the Service community, and their families, in Sussex, Surrey and Kent," commented Legion Sussex, Surrey and Kent, area manager, Sandra Fruish.

"From today it will be easier than ever before for people to find the help and support they need. If you want to know more, why not 'pop in'?"

The other already opened Advice and Information Centres are in Plymouth, Leeds and Liverpool, with 12 others planned to open this year.

In its centres, the Legion has provided office space to Combat Stress and the Regular Forces Employment Association.

Combat Stress, which turned 95 in May this year, was founded in the wake of World War One and helps veterans who face psychological injury, spending some £14 million yearly doing this.