LEGION FUNDS PROJECT TO TACKLE LONELINESS IN NEPALESE VETERAN COMMUNITY

Monday 6th February, 2017 For immediate release Isolation and loneliness issues amongst London’s Nepalese veteran community are to be targeted thanks to a grant from The Royal British Legion. The £43,000 grant to the Community Empowerment and Support Initiatives (CESI)-UK project will benefit approximately 200 ex-British Gurkhas over the age of 60. This year-long community support project aims to provide a customised support programme to address isolation and loneliness issues as well as the health and wellbeing needs of Nepalese people in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Project co-ordinators say they hope veterans’ health will improve through increased access to local health services, and their participation in the project’s community and social activities. Laxman Sah, chairperson of Community Empowerment and Support Initiatives (CESI)-UK, said: “We are extremely grateful to The Royal British Legion for its support which will have a very positive impact on many people’s lives in the Nepalese community. “The project’s activities will help the older people to manage their long-term health conditions, and to remain active, independent and self-reliant. In addition, this will also be an opportunity for them to get together and socialise which will, in turn, help to reduce any issues of isolation or loneliness.” The funding was provided through the Legion’s External Grants programme which, each year, awards grants to organisations which share its aim of safeguarding the welfare of the Armed Forces community. Daniel Elser, Head of Grants & Social Policy for The Royal British Legion, said: “The Royal British Legion is well aware that isolation and loneliness is one of the most significant issues amongst the older ex-Service community. “This grant will enable Community Empowerment and Support Initiatives (CESI)-UK to use its experience and expertise in supporting the Nepalese community to launch a customised support programme to tackle the issues faced by older veterans.” For further information on the Community Empowerment and Support Initiatives (CESI)-UK latest project call 0208 2652702, email info@cesi-uk.org or visit www.cesi-uk.org. For more information about The Royal British Legion, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk