The CareTech Foundation has awarded a £2,500 community grant to support the Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) STEP-IN Welfare Programme.

The programme integrates health, mental health, welfare, employability and supports people with disabilities, many of whom are armed forces veterans. The Foundation’s grant contributes to the programme which supports 22 people to overcome homelessness and create a completely new life from scratch.

RBLI supports people with disabilities from anywhere in the UK, many of whom are vulnerable, wounded and sick veterans. The charity provide homes, care and welfare support in its diverse ‘village’ in Aylesford, Kent. Founded in 1919, RBLI has been providing homes, direct employment opportunity and nursing care for more than 100 years.

Jonathan Freeman MBE, chief executive, CareTech Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support RBLI’s STEP-IN Programme with a community grant. The grant will provide critical funding to 22 vulnerable people at a time when they need it the most. It will provide support with mental health, welfare and employability and help veterans to re-build and improve their lives.”

Lisa Farmer, chief executive, RBLI, said: “We could not be more grateful of the support from the CareTech Foundation. The funds will go directly to supporting RBLI’s welfare, employability, and care services for disadvantaged veterans, including those facing significant mental health challenges. The support from the CareTech Foundation will have a genuine impact on those who need our help most.”

The Foundation receives an annual donation of 2.5% pre-tax profit from CareTech Holdings Limited, the founding corporation and leading social care provider for adults and children’s services in the UK.  With this donation the CareTech Foundation delivers meaningful impact to communities in the UK and overseas by supporting and championing the social care sector, care workers and those living in care.