CHARITY'S NEW WEBSITE HERALDS CAMPAIGN TO FIND THOSE IN NEED OF HELP

2 September 2015 (0930 GMT)

The Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund (ROCBF) today launches its new website - the first step in a reinvigorated outreach campaign to find former members and their dependants in need of support.

It is estimated that some 60,000 former members and their dependants may be eligible to call on the fund. The new website - www.rocbf.org.uk - makes it easier-than-ever for them to request help.

The Observer Corps was formed in 1925. Its volunteers played a vital role during the Battle of Britain, tracking hostile aircraft and becoming the 'eyes and ears of the RAF'. The title 'Royal' was conferred in 1941 in recognition of the Corps' contribution. During the Cold War its members trained and prepared in case of a nuclear attack on the United Kingdom.

The Royal Observer Corps (ROC) was disbanded in 1995. Some 200,000 men and women - the vast majority of them volunteers - gave valuable service over 70 proud years in war and peacetime.

Christopher Howard, Chairman of the Benevolent Fund's Managing Trustees, said:

"This is a very important day for the Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund as it marks the start of our reinvigorated campaign to find former members who may need our support.

"Today, we estimate that there are still some 60,000 former members eligible to call on the Fund. Crucially, help is also available for their dependants."

In recent years, the ROCBF has helped former members and their dependants with requests ranging from housing and disabled facilities to care homes and mobility scooters.

Mr Howard added:

"We look sympathetically at all requests for help from the Fund and will do whatever we can to assist, so I encourage people to get in touch with us, either to request help for themselves or for someone they might know."

The new website allows former members of the ROC and their dependants to request help by completing a simple online form. It also provides further information about how the Fund can help.

Notes for Editors:

All former members of the Royal Observer Corps are eligible for assistance from the Benevolent Fund. Length of service is not a consideration, except that the person requiring help must have served long enough to have received their ROC Official Number. Eligibility also extends to their dependants.

For further information contact:

Andrew Pemberton | Decisive Public Relations
01572 768133 | 07710 022589 | andrew@decisivepr.co.uk