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

Comments

#402

RBL have millions in the bank and can well afford to maintain these properties for our veterans.

(Bangor, 2019-11-21)

#403

It’s just wrong

(Randalstown, 2019-11-21)

#405

I'm signing this petition because I myself am a veteran and I am also a member of staff at Bennet House. I believe the work we do there and the service we provide to the armed forces covenant is vital especially within the Northern Ireland community. A break can give someone a safe sanctuary to meet like minded people who have got common ground and can provide those who normally live in social isolation a chance to socialise and open up and talk about things they normally wouldn't discuss with non military people.

(Londonderry, 2019-11-21)

#407

The Poppy break houses are a valuable resource helping mant ex-service personnel in need.

(West Yorkshire, 2019-11-21)

#408

This home needs to be kept open for ex service people they have nowhere else

(Belfast, 2019-11-21)

#409

I am disgusted that the RBL has mad this decision and as a poppy collector for over 25 years. I will not be doing it again as I feel the RBL are neglecting the needs of NI veterans to have a safe place to have a respite break.

(Londonderry, 2019-11-21)

#412

I am suffering from cancer and would have like to have used Benithouse in the new year for some restbit. I am x UDR and RIR. This is a mad thing to do when so many men and women give the best years of there lives to there Country.

(Omagh, 2019-11-21)

#415

This is the only break centre for veterans and their families in Northern Ireland and will be a huge loss to the wider community. It will be shameful if the Royal British Legion allow this to close. The staff who work there give 100% and help out with other local projects whilst promoting Bennet House.

(Ballymoney, 2019-11-21)

#419

They have £300M in the bank.Use it!!!

(Glenrothes, 2019-11-21)

#420

These holidays are the first ex service personnel have gone on in years

(Leeds, 2019-11-21)

#421

It’s the right thing to do. I spent many happy days at Bennet House in Portrush and believe me it was a lot better than most hotels. The company was good and the food was great. It would be an absolute disgrace to deprive forces and families of this break.

(Ballymena, 2019-11-21)

#426

I'm signing because veterans need places with military background for care and restbite.

(Belfast, 2019-11-21)

#432

I support the poppy appeal and raised over £1000 this year,I would like to see my effort support Veterans

(Liverpool, 2019-11-21)

#439

I’m singing this petition because the Ex Service community require this service, and the RBL should know that they can’t expect local authorities to care for the Ex Service man/woman if they don’t care by shutting these respite areas.

(Abergavenny, 2019-11-21)

#440

It's the only place in NI and surley with the money collected in NI it's least we deserve

(Carrickfergus, 2019-11-21)

#442

Because as a member and having used the facilities I believe they are essential for the wellbeing for those who are lucky to qualify for the breaks. The Poppy appeal fund is not that short of cash that we need to sell off such important assets. Put vets in charge not money grabbing civvies.

(Gosport, 2019-11-21)

#444

I care.

(Portrush, 2019-11-21)

#447

I’m signing this because being a staff member at byng house (Southport) this news about closure has deeply upset and affected myself, my work family and all the lovely and amazing veterans and beneficiaries that we continue to take care of at byng. We are heartbroken to hear this news.

(Southport, 2019-11-21)

#453

respite is needed by so many veterans closing them would be wrong, Sorry RBL

(Manchester, 2019-11-21)

#458

This is a service that is exceptional for our ex service personal and is greatly appreciated therefor it is the only place we can get in n. Ireland the service at Bennett House is 100% and the staff is very friendly

(Donegal, 2019-11-21)

#461

I’m the executive chef at Bennet House. And for RBL to even consider closing the door of our break centres is ridiculous. During My time here I have had a lot of one to one conversations with our guests and hearing their stories really opens you eyes to what we do for them. The support and time we offer them is next to none. And for us not being able to offer this support again is heartbreaking for all involved. It offers a safe environment for veterans, reduces social isolation and promotes positive mental health. Taking this away is going against what RBL stands for

(Coleraine, 2019-11-21)

#464

I think you are disgusting to do this to all the vets out there. No more tin rattling for me

(Doncaster, 2019-11-21)

#467

It’s important that ex veterans in Northern Ireland have a place to go and relax without the extra pressure of travelling too far. There is only one place in the province and those ex servicemen and woman have paid not only in service but cost to keep a place like Bennet aHouse open.

(COOKSTOWN, 2019-11-21)

#472

Without these places of respite our veterans have nowhere to go to feel safe and wanted. We constantly give money into the RBL poppy appeal, without question, and this is how we are treated! Shame on you all!

(Londonderry, 2019-11-21)

#473

I’m signing this because it’s the right thing todo

(Salisbury, 2019-11-21)

#475

Those who serve should be given a break at the very least. Veterans always seem to end up with a raw deal and they give up their lives for our country.

(Portrush, 2019-11-21)

#477

Theses facilities serve a useful purpose for veterans, preventing loneliness, social isolation and support for the military veterans and their partners to continue to live in the community. Shame on the hierarchy to even think of it without asking members.

(Sheffield, 2019-11-21)

#478

I want this place to remain open for veterans who need it.

(Belfast, 2019-11-21)

#481

These poppy breaks help me and my kids after the loss of my husband and their daddy at such a young age

(Belfast, 2019-11-21)

#482

You should be ashamed, there our veterans, close something else

(Warrington, 2019-11-21)

#483

R . Campbell

(Belfast, 2019-11-21)

#485

We need to care for those who fought for us. These homes are needed.

(Dundonald, Co Down, 2019-11-21)

#489

Our veterans deserve to be able to have a break somewhere peaceful ... they earned it with their blood, sweat and tears.

(Portrush, 2019-11-21)

#490

A good friend is going to lose his job which he works so so very hard for. Big devastation to him and his family :-(

(Coleraine, 2019-11-21)

#491

The support these services offer military veterans is invaluable to their recouperation from many health issues, and gives families a much needed break from certain issues.

(Leighton Buzzard, 2019-11-21)

#492

This is absolutely disgusting I would say most of the people sitting on the panel don't realise we as ex members of the forces in Northern Ireland haven't got a choice of where we can spend our holidays in Northern Ireland as our counterparts on the main land and you don't expect our older veterans to travel to the mainland get your heads out of the sand were a charity I stood at the door of Tesco's selling the poppy where my customers could recognise me and make myself a target but I do it for the poppy appeal wich I thought was to help my Comrades but I think it will be the last time and quite a few of us feel the same way xx

(Londonderry, 2019-11-21)

#493

Veterans and families need quality nursing care in an environment with like minded people to help keep their spirits up and the mind active.

(Enniskillen, 2019-11-21)

#500

Veterans and their families need respite care

(Southport, 2019-11-21)

#501

Too many people need and depend on these homes.

(Holywood, 2019-11-21)

#502

What in the world are they thinking. These Centres and facilities are the only thing we Veterans have left. What do they propose the money is spent on.

(PARBOLD, 2019-11-21)

#503

As a veteran, I cannot express how much these break centre's are needed by the forces community. These facilities help veterans come together and share their stories along with experiences in an enviroment where they are made to feel that they are all that matter. These break centres create friendships within the veteran community and allow much needed breaks from their daily troubles.

(Londonderry, 2019-11-21)

#504

I am a veteran

(Rosyth, 2019-11-21)

#505

As a veteran I think this is out of order

(Goole, 2019-11-21)

#507

I feel these veterans absolutely deserve a treat given the sacrifices they have made for us and our country.

(County Londonderry, 2019-11-21)

#520

I’m signing this because I feel passionately about the work and support that the British Legion does and I feel that these centres shouldn’t be closed because some of my friends use these. They are a great asset in coping with the stresses of combat and PTSD

(Southampton, 2019-11-21)

#523

I'm signing because it's wrong to close these places so vets and their families can't have a place to go when they need a rest from daily life

(Liverpool, 2019-11-21)

#524

The British Legion seems to becoming more and more remote from what its members actually want and need from them. I am seriously reconsidering my membership

(Nuneaton, 2019-11-21)

#531

It's a disgrace RBL are taking this facility away along with the poppy van. Stop paying top brass huge salaries and start putting veterans first.

(Oundle, 2019-11-21)

#532

These places need to be saved for all the veterans that gave their all for us today. They deserve to be able to go to places that give them the respect they deserve. We raise the money year on year for them not to squander on admin and the people at the top that are paid. Keep open these home's that is part of the reason people support Poppy appeal, believing they are supporting our Armed Forces past and present when they need us.

(Wakefield, 2019-11-21)

#533

Myself and grandson have stayed with the lovely staff. It would a crying shame if it closed

(Liz blair, 2019-11-21)

#534

These fantastic facilities will be greatly missed. And as a respect to the people who have been involved in a great British institution for many years.

(Ballymena, 2019-11-21)

#537

I am signing this because I think it's a disgrace that they are planning to close these centres down, especially Bennett House in Portrush which is the only centre in Ireland. So many veterans enjoy their break in Portrush as the staff are like family to them.

(LONDONDERRY, 2019-11-21)

#538

I personally feel that closing these centres would be a backward step and being ex WRAF with my Son and Grandson in the Army I think there should be access to these centres, if and when necessary.

(Wigan, 2019-11-21)

#539

These break centres help out so many people including myself and family.. the staff are amazing.

(Ballymena, 2019-11-21)

#540

False people claiming the status of those who’d lay down their life for their country

(Stowmarket, 2019-11-21)

#547

Pay the fat cats less wages!

(Darlington, 2019-11-21)

#550

Bennet House deserves to stay open!

(Belfast, 2019-11-21)

#556

I go on Poppy breaks with Combat Stress to Somerset Legion House WSM and is amazing and so helpful for our PTSD as I'm a Veteran

(Cheltenham, 2019-11-21)

#559

These centres provide a valuable service to veterans / ex veterans, a safe haven to holiday in a relaxed environment

(Newry, 2019-11-21)

#567

I contribute to the poppy appeal every year and they raise lots of money. There is no reason why these homes should be closing with the finance they have

(Blackpool, 2019-11-21)

#568

My father has made use of these great facilities

(Castlederg, 2019-11-21)

#576

I am signing because Ibam a member of the Royal British Legion and a former Royal Marine ,the Legion helps a lot of people and I am very proud to be a member.

(Newry, 2019-11-21)

#594

These places are needed and used by many

(Bridlington, 2019-11-21)

#595

As a fundraiser for Bennet House I am totally shocked at the decision to close it down ,I can imagine if this decision goes ahead the RBL will have a lot of people turn their backs on them when it comes round to the Poppy appeal when they are looking donations ,I for one will no longer be donating if this happens ,so many people have enjoyed a relaxing much needed break there ,it will be a great loss .

(Newtownards, 2019-11-21)