Local MP Bridget Phillipson has backed the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Calls scheme calling it an ‘excellent’ initiative.

Poppy Calls is designed to enable veterans and members of the veteran community to stay independent for longer in their own homes by providing hands on assistance with jobs such as minor household repairs, or the fitting of smoke alarms, and care phones. The scheme has already helped over 7,000 people and is now in the process of a national roll out. ??The North East has a 400,000 strong veteran community and the work of the Royal British Legion in supporting them is vitally important.

For further information, contact the Royal British Legions Poppy Calls team free on 0800 032 0306.

Bridget said:

‘I am delighted to show my support for this excellent scheme. As we know, a career in the Armed Forces differs from all others, where service personnel risk their lives in order to protect our lives and liberties, and in return we should do all we can to support them and their families.?

‘The Royal British Legion is already doing its bit providing support for Service and ex-Service personal throughout our region. This new scheme however will help both serving and former members of the Forces and their families to continue to live independently at home, because as the Legion have rightly identified, essential repairs and alterations can often be difficult for them.

??’Attention is naturally focused on today’s conflicts but what of those service men, women and their families in 10, 15 or even 50 years time. With the Comprehensive Spending Review this week we must remember the Coalition government must also play its part in supporting our armed forces and their families.’

How you can help…
To help Bridget spread the word about Poppy Calls, Tweet: “I’m joining @bphillipsonmp by supporting @PoppyLegion Poppy Calls scheme to help the veteran community – will you? http://tiny.cc/t471w or for further information about the scheme click here.