May 2024, Maidstone, Kent: Helen Grant MP has met with Lisa Farmer, the Chief Executive at the Royal British Legion Industry (RBLI), to discuss her ambitious expansion plans in Aylesford.
The RBLI Village currently provides housing, welfare support and care to over 300 members of the Armed Forces community. Their facilities include purpose built nursing homes, including specialist Dementia care, supported living apartments and emergency accommodation for veterans.
Plans have been announced to build more accommodation, and a new factory to replace the ageing existing manufacturing facility. The projects will provide more living facilities and workplace capacity for veterans and people with disabilities. Helen Grant has sent an invitation to Johnny Mercer MP, the Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs, to visit the RBLI Village with her over the summer.
Helen Grant said “It was a very insightful visit to the RBLI Village in Aylesford, and an absolute pleasure to meet CEO Lisa Farmer to discuss her exciting expansion plans. The RBLI Village community cares for, and empowers, not only armed forces veterans, but many people with disabilities too. It is a superb model of an integrated community and Lisa and her brilliant team have my full support. I look forward to visiting again very soon”.
Lisa Farmer said “Everyone at RBLI was delighted to meet Helen Grant and show her the full range of services for disadvantaged veterans, not just at our outstanding HQ in Kent, but our national employability support too. Helen is a life-long champion of the Armed Forces and of veterans, and it was inspiring to all of us to hear Helen’s passion for Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Co. and her determination to help create more opportunities for veterans who need jobs. RBLI is all about practical care, welfare and job creation. These opportunities mean that veterans can overcome life-changing injury, mental health crisis, and homelessness and build a second life. It is terrific for the charity to have Helen’s support.”
