Royal British Legion Kicks Off Annual Poppy Appeal to Rebuild Lives of Veterans
The Royal British Legion( RBL) has launched its periodic poppy appeal, putting a limelight on veterans whose lives have been turned upside down after service.
This year, the campaign is focused on “rebuilding lives” and supporting the armed forces community at its most vulnerable. At any one time, the RBL is providing guidance and practical help to more than 7,000 service personnel and their families.
The charity’s goal for 2025 is ambitious: raise over £50 million to fund vital support services.
Lucy Inskip, the RBL’s Poppy Appeal director, said: “Every day, ex-service personnel and their families come to the Royal British Legion for support when they become overwhelmed with issues including addiction, debt, homelessness, PTSD, and relationship breakdowns.
When something goes wrong, the RBL is there to help rebuild lives and provide members of the armed forces community with the support they need to create a better future.”
From the lasting effects of training accidents to the trauma of losing comrades on the battlefield, numerous soldiers face challenges that can be difficult to overcome without support.
Wear a poppy and join the nation in sending a personal message of support to those who serve and their families.
Available from 23 October at local supermarkets, high street shops, train stations or online at our Poppy Shop. pic.twitter.com/YqXw7ppf1x
— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) October 22, 2025
Founded in 1921, the Poppy Appeal remains a unifying force for the nation, Ms Inskip added, describing it as a “way to raise vital funds needed to support the armed forces community.”
Donations to the RBL, the UK’s largest forces charity, are used to deliver services tailored to the unique requirements of stagers and their families, from practical advice to emotional support.
The appeal’s launch event in central London featured stagers sharing their stories. Numerous spoke about the struggles they encountered after leaving the service and how the Royal British Legion stepped in to help them rebuild their lives.
This time’s crusade serves as a timely memorial of the ongoing challenges faced by those who have served the UK, and the pivotal part public support plays in helping them move forward.
