Supporting Armed Forces families, together with your local funeral director

Being there for families is at the heart of the work we do with independent funeral directors. That's why, for more than a decade, we’ve worked together to support the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Poppyscotland. Together, we’ve raised nearly £1 million to help the Armed Forces community and their loved ones.

From October to January, participating independent funeral directors donate £25 for every eligible Golden Charter funeral plan they sell. It’s another way your local funeral director can help families, alongside the personal care they provide for their community.

That care can mean having someone to talk to, lending a listening ear or the reassurance of a familiar face.

For Army veteran Liam and his father, RBL was there when they needed it most.

Liam’s story: the comfort of someone being there

Liam joined the British Army in 2004, following in his father’s and great grandfather’s footsteps. He served as a corporal in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his service, he lost several comrades and was injured while on patrol, which led to further long term complications.

While Liam received hospital treatment back in the UK, RBL volunteers visited him every day. Simply having someone there who understood helped him feel less alone during his recovery. RBL also helped his father pay for travel expenses so he could be by his son’s side.

After Liam was medically discharged from the Army in 2014, coming back to civilian life was difficult. Monthly meetings at his local RBL branch gave him a place to talk with other veterans who understood what he was going through.

“I couldn’t have coped without having that simple contact and knowing RBL was there when I was at my lowest point,” he said.

An RBL case officer helped Liam with housing and get support to look for a job, which allowed him to find his new normal. This assistance meant so much that Liam later volunteered for the charity, determined to give back to the community that had supported him.

For Liam and his father, support meant more than practical help. It meant not having to face a difficult time alone.

Care for families, during service and beyond

This year, RBL is highlighting the often unseen contribution of Armed Forces families. Long periods apart, frequent moves and caring responsibilities can be hard for loved ones. And some challenges continue after service ends.

RBL offers expert advice and practical help throughout life, whether a family is facing money worries, housing or health concerns, or the loss of someone close. We share that commitment to caring for families with RBL.

Your local independent funeral director also understands the importance of treating families with care and respect during stressful times. Taking time to listen, answering questions clearly and letting people know that they're not going through this alone - it all matters.

How you can help

You don’t need to buy a funeral plan to help. If you would like to make a donation directly to the Royal British Legion, visit rbl.org.uk/gc.

You can also read the full campaign information and terms to find out more about our RBL and Poppyscotland partnership.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this work - including every independent funeral director taking part. Together, we’re working towards raising £1 million to help the Armed Forces community and their families, at Remembrance and beyond.