We are delighted to announce RBLI as our first official charity partner. We look forward to working with them to help support vulnerable and disadvantaged ex-Armed Forces veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life.

Throughout the partnership, we will support RBLI’s mission to improve the lives of those in the British Armed Forces community, who are disadvantaged by poor health, disability and/or poverty. By raising awareness and money for this fantastic charity, we will help them provide more housing, healthcare, welfare and employment support for ex-military personnel.

Who are RBLI?

Images: (L-R) Afghanistan veteran, Anil Gurung; veteran, John Ahben; RBLI

RBLI are the UK’s leading charity helping homeless, disabled and vulnerable veterans through employment and those struggling to transition into civilian life. The charity was established in 1919 to provide vital support for the brave men and women returning from WW1. Today, they have expanded their support to veterans as well as people outside of the armed forces community.

They help over 300 veterans and their families, who are living with severe and complex mental health and physical disabilities, in their unique village in Aylesford, Kent. Here, RBLI supports ex-service personnel through a range of high-quality accommodation, from emergency housing for homeless veterans to family homes and accessible apartments. Once safely housed, they provide personalised programmes to help veterans regain confidence, find work and lead independent lives.

RBLI also delivers LifeWorks - a transformational employability programme that helps veterans, who are the furthest away from the job market, find employment and build a new life after service. Faced with a society that feels alien, veterans can struggle to find their place and to find work. This can often lead to decline in mental health and alcohol misuse. The LifeWorks programme helps these individuals on the road to recovery, so they can get back into work and enjoy a positive, independent future.

In addition, the charity has created a leading social enterprise that offers members of the Armed Forces employment opportunities. At Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company, veterans make a range of high quality goods including signs, wooden products, print and mail for customers across the private, public and charity sectors.  

How does RBLI raise funds?

Images: Former Royal Engineer and AGC, Tim Brown, with Tommy figurines; RBLI logo; RBLI

RBLI set up by The Tommy Club to support veterans who've suffered catastrophic injuries, traumas or lost their lives during service. The £15 yearly subscription fee goes directly to veterans, helping them overcome unemployment and mental health challenges.

Not only does the Tommy Club help raise crucial funds for the charity, it creates meaningful jobs for veterans. Every Tommy Club welcome pack, collectible label pin and garden Tommy that members receive has been handcrafted by Britain's Bravest.  

There's also plenty of ways to get involved with fundraising, from coffee mornings to sporting challenges. When you join or host a Tommy Tea party, you will receive a downloadable pack to kick start your event. Or, you can sign up to take part (for free) in the Tommy 10k - a 10k walk, run or wheeled event, that's open to all ages.

All funds raised from events, donations and sales of the iconic, commemorative Tommy figurine help get vulnerable veterans back on their feet.

Why RBLI?

Image: Seat Unique Marketing Director, Phillipa Hicks, with veteran Ian Durrant and RBLI's Director of Strategic Development, Lisa Farmer; RBLI

Seat Unique CEO, Robin Sherry, said: “We are proud to be partnering with an organisation that is passionate about bettering the lives of ex-veterans and their families. RBLI is a fantastic charity that gives back to those who’ve given so much to society. Although we operate in different sectors, we share the same values - particularly accessibility and trust. We look forward to working with RBLI to ensure all ex-Armed Forces personnel have the best chance they can at starting a new life.”  

Corporate Partnership Manager at RBLI, Natalie Sweeden, said: “We are very excited about this partnership and cannot thank Seat Unique enough for choosing us as their first-ever charity partner. We’ve got some fantastic fundraising projects in the pipeline, and we can’t wait to start working on them together.

Without fundraising events, donations and volunteering, we wouldn’t be able to offer crucial support to ex-Armed Forces personnel and their families. We’re thrilled that Seat Unique will join our network of amazing supporters, helping us on our mission to support Britain’s bravest."

How are we helping RBLI?

Seat Unique proudly powers the official Supporter Exchange for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). When supporters make a purchase on the platform, £1 of each sale is donated to RBLI and the WRU’s charity partner, the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust. Donations are split equally between both charities.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Seat Unique - and read about more of our exciting partnerships - check out our press page.