Poppy Breaks

TAKE THE BREAK YOU DESERVE

The Royal British Legion offer a range of services that provide beneficiaries, who otherwise might not be able to afford a holiday, with a break from the stresses of everyday life. Poppy Breaks are for people recovering from an illness, bereavement or other life-affecting event, they are also available to disadvantaged young people or families in need of a break. The following are available from Poppy Breaks:

		One or two weeks stay at one of the Poppy Break Centres.
		Welfare Plus Breaks (for those who need care whilst having a break).
		Family Holiday Breaks
		Adventure Breaks for young people.

Poppy Break Centres

The Legion has four Poppy Break Centres located in some of the country's most popular, and traditional seaside resorts. Each of the centres provides guests with a one or two weeks break at no charge. Guests are provided with en-suite bedroom accommodation and a range of activities and services. It should be noted that the Poppy Break Centres cannot accept payment from those wishing to stay in a centre, but donations are gratefully accepted.

All beneficiaries that are in need of a break for a welfare reason can apply to stay in a Poppy Break Centre. Guests may need a break for many reasons, to be eligible for a break the beneficiary must meet one of the following criteria:

		Terminal illness, long-term ill health or disability.
		Recovering from recent surgery or hospitalisation.
		Bereavement of spouse, partner or other close family member.
		Suffering from physical or mental trauma.
		Living in isolation
		Are a carer, including those caring for a spouse, partner or veteran.

Guests who need care are still welcome if accompanied by a carer and with prior agreement, as Poppy Break Centres are unable to provide nursing care or administer eye drops or medication. Poppy Break Centres are unable to provide respite care.

All centres offer a wide range of facilities to ensure the time guests spend with us is as comfortable as possible, with plenty of activities to make the stay enjoyable and memorable. although each Centre is unique, all Centres have a warm and friendly atmosphere and attentive staff, dedicated to providing the highest standards of Legion hospitality. The four Poppy Break Centres and their locations are as follows:

		Alderson House (East Yorkshire)
		Bennet House (Northern Ireland)
		Byng House (Lancashire)
		Somerset Legion House (South-West)

Alderson House in Bridlington is the main Poppy Break Centre for the serving or ex-Service people, their partners and dependants from Derbyshire. However Byng House and Somerset Legion House will sometimes be used depending on the occupancy of the homes. Applicants cannot choose which Poppy Break Centre they go to as all applications from Derbyshire are forwarded to Alderson House.

For those in Derbyshire who require a break at a Poppy Break Centre contact Poppy Support in Derbyshire or if outside Derbyshire telephone Legionline 08457 725 725.

Welfare Plus Breaks

The Legion do not provide assistance with nursing, personal care or medication. If you require a higher level of care please let us know and we can consider a Welfare Plus Break.

Welfare Plus Breaks provide individually tailored breaks for those who have special requirements, due to a severe disability or illness for which they have substantial care needs. Welfare Plus Breaks offer individual break services for those who are very much in need of a break, but cannot be accommodated in a Poppy Break Centre

For those in Derbyshire who require a Welfare Plus Break contact Poppy Support in Derbyshire or if outside Derbyshire telephone Legionline 08457 725 725.