Former soldiers of the Bermuda Regiment are now eligible for financial assistance from the Royal British Legion.

The Legion announced yesterday that persons serving, and those who used to serve with the Regiment or its predecessor units, are able to seek assistance from its support network.

Spouses, widows and dependent children are also eligible for aid.

There are up to 10,000 veterans on the Island who now qualify for financial help, plus the 600 soldiers who currently serve with the Regiment.

The extension of support to Bermudians follows a recent announcement by the Government that pension entitlements and healthcare benefits will be extended to many of the Island’s Second World War veterans. War pensions have also been doubled from $400 to $800 per month.

The Royal British Legion is a worldwide charity, founded in 1921, to provide financial, social and emotional support to the millions who have served and who are currently serving in the United Kingdom Armed Forces and its affiliated units. It has a membership of 450,000, but dependents also come under its care. Nearly 10.5 million people in the UK alone are registered for assistance and the charity spends $150 million a year on individuals around the world.

Patrick Leavey, Head of Public Affairs for the Legion, said yesterday: “We are delighted to recognise the eligibility of Bermuda’s current and former armed services personnel, and welcome them to the Legion family. The Legion is here to safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of all those who serve and have served.”

Both the War pensions and Legion initiatives were spearheaded by Lance Corporal Carol Everson, who serves in the Bermuda Regiment.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel William White said: “This important extension of Legion benefits for Bermuda was developed through the tireless efforts of L/Cpl. Everson over the last four years and I am thankful for her determination.

“Thousands of Bermuda residents stand to benefit should the need arise.”

L/Cpl. Everson has been trained by the Legion as the Island’s caseworker and will process all inquiries and requests for assistance.

She said: “I am honoured to be involved in this project and am pleased to be able to assist going forward. The range of benefits the Legion offers is extensive — from assisting with immediate financial needs, debt relief, interest-free loans for housing repairs, small business loans, disability grants, to assistance with careers.

“The Legion also assists with children’s needs, community outreach programmes, and acts as a liaison with Government.”

L/Cpl. Everson said that the Legion has already helped some former soldiers on the Island.

“In one case a middle-aged former Sergeant with the Bermuda Regiment suffering from heart disease was awarded $4,000 for loss of family income while he recovered from surgery, plus a further $2,400 for the deposit on an apartment,” she said.

“Another current assessment covers a former private soldier in his mid-twenties who suffered paralysis and brain damage in a motor vehicle accident. It is hoped that an electrically-powered custom wheelchair might be acquired.

“The Legion is also assisting an 82-year-old veteran with housing repairs.”

Lillian Levon, 90, is the widow of a Bermuda soldier who served in both the First and Second World Wars. She said: “Thank you to the Government and all at the Royal British Legion who are giving us more benefits.”

L/Cpl. Everson said all requests are dealt with in the strictest confidence. They are forwarded to the Royal British Legion in London with decisions usually made within seven to ten days.

To discuss eligibility for benefits or to seek assistance, contact L/Cpl. Everson on 533 4567.

Benefits boost for Regiment war heroes