Supported Charities
NOMINATED CHARITY 2022: BLESMA, THE LIMBLESS VETERANS
About Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Blesma is an armed forces national charity formed in the aftermath of the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.
Blesma is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-serving men and women who have suffered life changing injuries, such as limb loss, or the loss of use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight whether this is during or after their military Service. Blesma is a membership charity providing support to Members for the duration of their lives. Following the death of a Member, the widow/widower have membership in their own right and are provided with the same lifelong support; in essence caring for the carer.
Just as we are still caring for our surviving World War II veterans, we also look after those who have survived complex trauma injuries through recent conflicts, accidents or illness, and will need our specialised support as they face the long journey ahead. In it’s 90th official year, the charity continues to ensure that limbless and injured veterans, their widows/widowers are never failed, forgotten or left to fend for themselves.
This year Blesma is celebrating 90 years and has been announced as the charity of choice for the 2022 Belfast International Tattoo running from Friday 2 September – Saturday 3 September.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Blesma and Facebook.com/Blesma
For further information on Blesma The Limbless Veterans contact:
Fiona Morrison
Outreach Officer Northern Ireland
Email: outreachni@blesma.org
Tel: 07741744617
W: www.blesma.org
PREVIOUSLY SUPPORTED CHARITIES
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the national charity of the British Army, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need. We were founded in 1944 to ensure that soldiers returning from World War Two were well cared for. Since then, the welfare of soldiers, past and present, and their families has been at the heart of everything we do.
While there is a British Army, there will be The Soldiers’ Charity
What they do
The overall scale, breadth and range of their support is vast, helping very young serving families cope with a sudden bereavement or traumatic loss. They provide wide-ranging support to wounded soldiers, many of whom will need increasing financial assistance for decades to come while also providing help with housing, education and training for employment for soldiers and veterans of all ages. They are there for older veterans and their widows or widowers when they find themselves lonely or isolated.
In the past year, ABF The Soldiers Charity have helped 70,000 people in 62 countries across the globe and funded 89 charities and organisations to support the Army family at large. They pride themselves on acting immediately when help is needed, providing true through-life support for the nation’s soldiers, veterans and families.
All soldiers, veterans and their immediate families should have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity. At Belfast International Tattoo we are proud to be associated with a charity that provides care and compassion to our Armed Forces.