RNBT WORK

Cases are considered twice a week –every Monday and Thursday, which makes for a quick turn round time. The RNBT has a speed of response which very few other charities can match. In 2002/2003 nearly 3,500 grants, totalling almost £1.5 million were made and a good number of these went to help serving people and their dependants.

 As well as grants, the RNBT helps some older members of the RNBT Family on very low incomes, by paying them annuities of £130 each quarter. This may not seem much, but for someone with very little it means a lot. The number of these annuities is limited to just over 1100 totalling about £575,000 each year.

There is also a care home, Pembroke House, near Chatham in Kent, which provides nursing and personal care for 50 residents - old sailors, Royal Marines and their wives and widows. It is a unique home helping to meet a very important need, but there is a long waiting list. More homes like Pembroke House would be very welcome.

Every year the RNBT spends as much as it can giving help to the RNBT Family, but there is a lot more that could be done if the funds were available. Income is received from the RNBT’s own investments, grants from other organisations, and donations in various shapes and forms.

Amongst the donations are those from serving people made via the scheme for Voluntary Donations from Pay for RN Charities. This is a very good and easy way to help. Members of the scheme usually contribute half a day’s pay per year, taken from their pay in monthly instalments and this money is distributed amongst a number of RN & RM charities. More members are needed and UPOs can provide full details.

The RNBT is also supported by serving people through direct donations and fund raising activities, often organised by messes or other groups within a ship or establishment. This all makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.