With Government Departments

Blesma has a long history of campaigning. Whilst we will work with the government of the day we are not afraid to be confrontational should the need arise. There may no longer be columns of War Pensioner amputees marching on Downing Street but that doesn't mean that our voice isn't heard when it matters. We work closely with other military and civilian charities when appropriate since we recognise that together we are stronger.

The first Blesma campaign, largely behind closed doors, was during the Second World War when it was discovered that those injured at Dunkirk and Alamein were awarded War Pensions at lower rates than those injured in the First World war. A successful campaign was fought and this was just the first of many. Improvements to the War Pension and associated allowances for support and care were sought and fought for throughout the post war years. War Pension mobility provision evolved into the Motability scheme of today. Visit the Motability website for more information. 

The War Pension will be in payment for at least another 50 years and benefits Blesma Members injured in conflict before April 2005 (Including Iraq and Afghanistan). The war Pension is under scrutiny by the MoD - Blesma is therefore 'on watch' as a number of issues are emerging.

Blesma makes sure it is as close to the action as possible when it comes to issues that concern or may effect our Members. We are invited to attend consultation, patient representation groups, working groups and many others that allow us to continue to fight for what is right for our Members. Recently Blesma has been involved in the shaping of the recommendations by Dr Andrew Murrison MP in his report 'A Better Deal for Military Amputees' and the subsequent work by the devolved administration in Scotland and Wales.

Welfare Reforms

We have campaigned for the interests of Members to be recognised in the governments' recent welfare reform.

Along with other charities, we have represented those with long term health conditions or life-changing injuries resulting in disabilities.

Blesma is a member of the DWP's PIP Engagement Group.

This involvement does not in any way mean that we condone the government policy, but we believe that by engaging with the policy makers we have the opportunity to get the best possible outcome for our Members.

For further information about the introduction of PIP which is replacing DLA, please contact your local Blesma Support Officer or visist www.gov.uk/pip

At Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham

We liaise closely with the Defence Medical Welfare Services and a Blesma Support Officer will visit all new amputees. We will wortk with the hospital staff to make sure that, when ready, the new amputee is made aware of the support available to them and their family.

At the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court

We liaise closely with the Social Work department and Blesma Support Officers visit regularly. We can give more detail on the work that Blesma does and how we can be a positive presence in the lives of our Members. We also have a great deal of knowledge about the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and have a reputation for giving sound advice on AFCS matters.

At Personnel Recovery Centres and through Personnel Recovery Units

Blesma Support Officers liaise closely with the PRCs and PRUs in their areas and visit regularly. A Blesma Support Officer visits the Support Hub at Tedworth House in Tidworth weekly and we will also hold regular 'clinics' at Phoenix House in Catterick. A full range of advice and information is available via this liaison and these visits which are replicated accross the UK. At this stage, Blesma Support Officers will be encouraging your participation in our unique activities programme. For more information on activities, follow this link to our activities pages.

NHS Disablement Service Centres (Limb Centers)

We have developed a close and useful working relationship with all NHS DSCs and this work continues unabated. Your Local Blesma Support Officer may accompany you if you wish or make arrangements for you to be acommpanied. It might be that the Blesma Support Officer (Prosthetics) meets with you at the centre at yours or his colleagues request. Blesma continue to build on and develop the relationships with the NHS teams and contracted providers at the centres.