A national military charity that helps injured veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives has relocated its headquarters to Chelmsford, Essex.

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans moved into 115 New London Road on Monday 23^rd September, with an opening launch planned for 10^th October.

The move is the result of a lengthy review in which trustees of the charity concluded that their office in Chadwell Heath was no longer fit for purpose and it would be more cost-effective in the long term, as well as being in the best interest of the Association, to purchase the more suitable and accessible building. The new office will house 30 office-based employees whose roles include welfare support, prosthetic advice, organising rehabilitation activities, communications, and fundraising. It is hoped that this move will lead to more Member and staff interaction and provide Members, Blesma staff and Trustees with a far more efficient work environment.

Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered limb loss or the loss of use of a limb, or an eye or loss of sight, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.

Today Blesma is one of only around ten charities that still exist from the 18,000 that were born out of the First World War.

Barry Le Grys, Blesma’s Chief Executive, said: “After a significant exercise in due diligence and considering all our options we are very pleased to arrive in Chelmsford where we are up and running after a weekend move from Chadwell Heath. We look forward to engaging with the local community as a national but specialist services charity.”

Blesma will mark their first event in Chelmsford with their Christmas Carol Service at Chelmsford Cathedral, Duke Street on 5^th December 2019. For more information about the service or to attend, please contact Abbi Wilkins on cceo@blesma.org or 0208 548 7084.

 

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:

115 New London Road - https://blesma.org/media/444778/610_7797.jpg

Blesma Chelmsford poster - https://blesma.org/media/444798/blesma-chelmsford.jpg

 

---