Welfare

The 1LI Association is not in a position to directly support members financially so it is therefore very important that we are up front and honest about what we can and can not achieve at this time.
This Welfare page has been set up so we can inform our 1LI families of what we can/will do on being informed of the sad news that one our battalion veterans has passed away, but also on this page we will update our veterans with the current Rifles RHQ procedures for seeking assistance as well as the links to some of the main organisations that can provide valuable help.

1LI Funerals

In the event of a battalion member passing away we would kindly ask our families to let us know asap please so that we can forward the news on to those that they served with. We appreciate that is a very difficult time for all family and friends, but if we can receive their full name, date of passing and any additional details that you wish to pass on at this stage, we would be very grateful. 
We would also kindly ask that details of the funeral be passed on to us as early as possible please so that veterans can make arrangements to attend, with the families kind permission.
Please e-mail us by clicking HERE or by using the Contact page form.
The following is what the 1LI Association can provide for the funerals of those veterans that "joined" 1LI with the families permission, subject to availability and timings.
  1. 1LI Association Poppy Wreath on behalf of the members of the Battalion
  2. * Battalion Coffin Drape (1LI Cap Badge and text only on it)
  3. ** 1LI Standard
We require as much notice as possible please for sending out the Wreath/Drape and our policy is to send them straight to the Funeral Directors so that families are not caused any additional stress, to that end we require the full name and address of the Funeral Directors asap please.

*Should families request the use of the battalion Coffin Drape the 1LI Association will enclose a pre-paid return mailing bag for the Funeral Director to use for posting the drape back to us at the earliest opportunity, this is done so that our families do not have to worry about it's return at such a difficult time.
Updated 5th August 2023: We now have three 1LI Coffin Drapes available, but the information above still applies.

**If requested we will do our upmost to make the 1LI Standard available although we only have the one which will make this very difficult, but when this is not possible we will contact the nearest Light Infantry Branch Association to see if they have a standard which is available. Please remember that as the years roll on and our numbers become fewer that this will become much more difficult to organise and therefore may not be possible.

Should the family wish to engage a bugler to sound Last Post we can put them in touch with The Buglers Association or the nearest group of buglers as the 1LI Association does not provide buglers. 

If you have any questions at all please get in touch with us on the e-mail address at the bottom of this page.

Rifles RHQ Welfare & Benevolence Information/Procedures
The Rifles Benevolent Trust

The Rifles Benevolent Trust provides help and support to serving members of the Rifles as well as former members of the previous regiments such as The Light Infantry. Unfortunately they are unable to help directly in the first instance and the initial contact has to be made through SSAFA or the RBL. Once your case has been assessed they will then decide whether to provide support or refer you to The Rifles. If in any doubt of where to go for help please contact The Rifles Welfare Officer at RHQ Winchester on 01962 828523 (email aregsecinfra@the-rifles.co.uk) or you nearest Rifles office.
Advice – Serving Personnel
  • If you are serving and require assistance in any way, contact SSAFA Forcesline 
  • Forcesline is a free and 100% confidential helpline that is completely independent of the military chain of command. 
  • Their experienced civilian staff provide a supportive, listening and signposting service for serving personnel and their families, as well as former members of the Armed Forces.
  • The contact number is 0800 731 4880, remember the call is free and confidential or visit the website: www.ssafa.org.uk/forcesline Advice - Veterans

Advice - Veterans

If you feel that you are in need of help or advice then you should contact either SSAFA or The Royal British Legion (TRBL) in the first instance. Their trained volunteers can provide practical and emotional help if and when you need it. They have a network of local branches, which means that help and advice is always close at hand.
  • Upon contacting SSAFA or TRBL you will be put in touch with one of their experienced advisors.
  • In some cases the SSAFA or TRBL may decide that further assistance is required at which point they will appoint a caseworker who will visit the individual in their home.
  • The caseworker will meet with the individual and together they will complete a Form A, which provides some basic information about the applicant together with their current circumstances.
  • The caseworker will then distribute the Form A to the relevant Organisations/Regiments to request assistance, the Regiment/Organisation will then respond directly to the caseworker. It should be noted that unfortunately neither Organisations nor Regiments are able to deal directly with individuals

Contact Details •
SSAFA 0845 241 7141 - SSAFA website www.ssafa.org.uk
RBL website www.britishlegion.org.uk - TRBL Helpline 0808 802 8080 (free from UK landlines and main mobile networks


Links and Information for the Main Support Agencies



Veterans' Gateway 
"The first point of contact for veterans seeking support"
We put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.
Veterans’ Gateway is made up of a consortium of organisations and Armed Forces charities, including The Royal British Legion, SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity, Poppyscotland, Combat Stress and Connect Assist. Our connection with additional key referral organisations – both within and outside the Armed Forces sector – means we can get you to the right organisation who can help. Funded by The Armed Forces Covenant, this is the first time a group of this kind has come together formally to deliver a service to help the Armed Forces community.

Royal British Legion
The Legion was founded by veterans after the First World War. A century on from the start of that conflict, we're still helping today's Service men and women, veterans, and their families in almost every aspect of daily life. We also champion Remembrance, safeguarding the memory of those who have given their lives for our freedom through Remembrance education and events.

Soldiers Sailors & Airmen Famlies Association
We want our Armed Forces (both Regular and Reserves), veterans and their families to know they can depend on SSAFA for support now and for the rest of their lives. Our values mean we are committed, practical and understanding. SSAFA works in partnership with other military charities and specialist organisations to ensure that those who turn to us for help get the support they need.

Army Benevolent Fund
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are for soldiers, for life. We provide financial assistance to all soldiers and their families when in need. Even when a soldier leaves the Army they are still part of our family and eligible for our help. The scope of our work is huge. Half of our money is given direct to individuals to help in areas such as debt relief, mobility assistance, education bursaries, carehome fees and respite breaks. The other half is given as grants to other charities.

Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the UK's leading Veterans' mental health charity. Mental ill-health affects ex-Service men and women of all ages. Right now, we're supporting over 5,400 Veterans aged from 19 to 101. We're a vital lifeline for these men and women, and their families. Our treatment and support services are always free of charge, and are proven to work.
Helpline No: 0800 138 1619


The Rifles Benevolent Trust                                                                        The latest welfare information from The Rifles can be found on the link to the left.