Royal British Legion opens Borough High Street 'pop in centre'

The Royal British Legion moved to Borough High Street from Pall Mall five years ago.

Now, as part of a change in the way that the charity supports armed forces veterans and their families, it has a bright new shopfront for visitors.

The legion is opening 16 advice and information centres on high streets around the UK, with the first five launched in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Southampton on Tuesday.

Bermondsey & Old Southwark MP Simon Hughes cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the Borough High Street centre.

"Our beneficiaries sit at the heart of everything we do as a charity, and when they speak we listen," said Chris Simpkins, director-general of the legion.

"We are proud to announce this huge change which will ensure the legion is fit for purpose and members of the armed forces community can reach help how and when they need it.

"We know the total number of the armed forces community is set to decline, yet the demand for legion support is predicted to increase, as the population ages and our beneficiaries' needs become more complex, especially amongst those leaving the forces and those who are wounded, injured or sick.

"We used our research to set a course to modernise the legion, to meet changing needs and become easier to find – both online and in person – positioning our services closer to where our beneficiaries live.

"We will be more accessible, quicker to respond and extend our reach in the communities who need us most.

"The Legion should be the first port of call in any circumstances throughout life for Service personnel, veterans and their families."

• The pop in centre at 199 Borough High Street is open weekdays 10am-4pm