Royal British Legion calls for volunteers

Last week, June 1st to 7th, was was Volunteer's Week, in fact it was the 30th year that the event has taken place.

The Royal British Legion has asked people to volunteer to help the Armed Forces, reaching out to those who have a desire to give free time to help service people.

Its HR director, Sharron Lewis-James, wishes to hear from people who can spare some time to support the Legion's work; giving support and care to veterans, service people and their relatives.

It comes at a time when the charity is opening pop-up centres in UK major cities. Because of these new projects, there's a bigger need than ever for volunteers to help the charity.

There are around nine million veterans, serving personnel and people who are dependant on them in the UK who could be helped by the charity. On a weekly basis, it spends £1.4 million giving support and care.

"The Legion currently has many dedicated volunteers who help us in all sorts of ways, such as organising mass fundraising events like Poppy Picnics in the summer and black tie gala dinners," said Mr Lewis-James.

This summer's Poppy Picnic initiative has the support of Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh, and involves the public holding picnics for the charity.

Legion Volunteers also make collections throughout the year for the Poppy Appeal, added Mr Lewis-James.

"Other volunteer roles include supporting our beneficiaries by visiting them at home to assess their needs and helping them to access other relevant social services," he explained.

At a time of increasing demand for the services the charity provides, it wants to hear from people with a wish to support its work or raise funds for it, he said.

Find out more about volunteering for the charity here.