Useful Links & Apps
The Royal British Legion Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch is not sponsored by, nor does it endorse, nor vouch for, any of these organisations, websites or apps. The links are provided for informational purposes only.
Afghanistan Veterans Community
The community for Afghanistan Veterans created by Afghanistan Veterans. 150,000 UK Armed Forces personnel served over the 20‑year campaign in Afghanistan, the largest deployment of UK troops in living memory. This is a diverse group of veterans from across the UK, Commonwealth, all three Services of the Armed Forces and the Reserves and saw women regularly on the front line in the most intense period of fighting for a generation. 457 paid the ultimate sacrifice, with many more living with life changing injuries.
The charity conducted a report into Afghanistan Veterans with extensive research and support by M&C Saatchi World Services, which revealed a difficult truth, that 92% of UK Afghanistan Veterans believe that their sacrifices will be forgotten.
www.ukafghanveteranscommunity.org
See map at [51.4931,-0.1492]
Age in Spain
Age in Spain helps people make the most of later life. They provide expert information, personalised support and dedicated advocacy – supporting English speakers in Spain to live well, be active and remain independent as valued members of their communities.
AJEX JMA
With over 120,000 Jews having served in the British Armed Forces during the World Wars, AJEX JMA ensures that their immense contribution is never forgotten.
The aims are to continue Remembrance of the Jewish contribution to the military; to combat antisemitism through education; and to provide welfare for Jewish veterans and their families.
AJEX also works closely with the Armed Forces Jewish Community which represents the interests of those currently serving.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. If you’re a member of the Armed Forces (regular or reserve), a veteran, or a family member, the Covenant offers a wide variety of support.
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. It is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It also marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, when the public show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community. It also includes Reserves Day (25 June in 2025), which provides the country with an opportunity to recognise our Reserve Forces.
Army Benevolent Fund
The Army Benevolent Fund aims to provide soldiers and veterans with the means to live independently, and with the dignity they deserve. They also award grants to charities and organisations that provide specialist services and support on their behalf. In financial year 23/24, they helped 75,000 people in 51 countries worldwide, and funded 86 other charities and organisations that deliver frontline services.
Battle Back Centre
Recovery services are aimed at addressing a range of related ‘wellbeing needs’, including the links between physical and mental health; developing ways of managing stress; healthy living including improving diet and sleep; the importance of social networks.
The Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, Shropshire, is the home of the Royal British Legion (RBL) Recovery Services. Recovery services encompass a number of programmes, all designed to assist serving military personnel, and veterans overcome the barriers and challenges encountered as a result of injury or illness.
Whilst the Battle Back Centre was originally established to support wounded and injured service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the services offered have grown over the years and now includes significant expansion of support to veterans as well as families and friends.
www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/how-we-help/recovery-services
See map at [52.7279,-2.3728]
BFBS –British Forces Broadcasting Service
BFBS services are available online through the BFBS website and app as well as other media platforms such as YouTube. The BFBS online services allow for free access to the BFBS Radio Service, Entertainment and Sports services, BFBS Forces News (available also via its own website), Documentaries, Podcasts and inter-service sports competition coverage as well as other BFBS services.
BFBS is a registered charity.
www.bfbs.com
www.forcesnews.com
www.youtube.com/@BFBS_Radio
See map at [52.7279,-2.3728]
The Blue Band
The Blue Band Magazine is published in May, September and January each year and contains news of Royal Marines Bands and Royal Naval Volunteer Bands.
www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/the-blue-band-journal
See map at [50.8184,-1.0971]
British Benevolent Fund
“The Charity Of Last Resort”
The British Benevolent Fund (BBF) is one of the oldest English speaking charities in Spain with records dating back to at least 1933. It is a Spain-wide charity that provides financial support for those who have nowhere else to turn to for help.
British Consulate Alicante
The British Consulate in Alicante represents the UK government in Alicante and Murcia The consulate can help British nationals in emergencies abroad and prioritises people who are vulnerable and need help the most. Services include finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters, dealing with a death in Spain, helping those arrested in Spain, victims of crime, and with hospitalisations due to a medical emergency.
www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-alicante
See map at [38.3457,-0.4838]
Brits in Spain
Brits in Spain is a Facebook community run by the British Embassy in Madrid for British people living in or visiting Spain. On this page there is information to help you make the most of your time in Spain and keep you up to date with latest developments.
BritishSpanish Society
The BritishSpanish Society is a registered charity whose objectives are to promote friendship and understanding between the people of Britain and Spain through knowledge of each other’s customs, language, institutions, history and way of life.
Citizens Advice Bureau Spain
The site will assist you with all aspects relating to living, visiting, owning a holiday home or investing in Spain.
The Central Band of the Royal British Legion
The Central Band of The Royal British Legion celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 2004, marking sixty years of music making dating back to World War Ⅱ. The band’s origins stem from the Home Guard. Its founder members, many with First World War service, having all played in the Band of the 56th (Surrey) Battalion Home Guard based in Epsom. However, by 1944, with the possibility of a German invasion no longer a threat, the Home Guard was stood down bringing to an end four years of comradeship. However, a group of musicians from the Home Guard Band resolved to keep the spirit alive by forming a new band under the aegis of the British Legion.
Under the baton of the energetic Captain David Cole, former Director of Music on HMY Britannia, the Central Band has established itself as a respected and in-demand ensemble. The band’s busy schedule has seen recent performances at:
- BBC One Show D-Day Special
- Cadogan Hall
- Canterbury Cathedral
- The Championship Finals at Wimbledon
- The Royal Albert Hall
- Westminster Abbey
Cobseo – The Confederation of Service Charities
Cobseo provides a single point of contact for interaction with Government, including local government and the Devolved Administrations, with the Royal Household, with the Private Sector, and with other members of the Armed Forces Community.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s mission is to ensure those who died in service, or as a result of conflict, are commemorated so that they, and the human cost of war, are remembered for ever.
The CWGC is a global organisation, caring for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries and territories. We commemorate almost 1.7 million individuals, ensuring that all the Commonwealth men and women who died during both world wars are commemorated in a manner befitting their sacrifice.
Defence Discount Service
The official MoD discount service for the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community. Defence Discount Service provides discounts both online and on the high street for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community.
www.defencediscountservice.co.uk
See map at [50.2575,2.7811]
Fundación Hispano Británica
The Fundación Hispano Británica was created in the early 80s under the sponsorship of HRH Infanta doña Margarita, Duchess of Soria, with the support of the ambassadors Mr. Jose Joaquín Puig de la Bellacasa in London and Lord Nicholas Gordon-Lennox in Madrid.
The purpose of the Foundation is to provide civil society with the opportunity to understand and be part of the cultural exchange between Spain and the United Kingdom, and to promote relations between the Spanish and the British through academic, cultural and social events.
fundacionhispanobritanica.org/en/home
See map at [50.2575,2.7811]
Globe & Laurel Magazine
The Globe & Laurel Magazine is the Journal of the Royal Marines and has been in continual production for over 130 years. Published bi-monthly, it is essential reading for all members of the Corps Family keeping readers up to date with what is happening around the Corps.
Museo Gordon
Museo Gordon is a small private museum with many eclectic displays of social history related items. The exhibits include Vintage / Antique clothing, Militaria, Fossils-Minerals, Shells, Pottery-Ceramics, Needlework, Breweriana, Tramp Art,and a permanent Poppy Appeal display. The museum is run by Gordon Holme of the RBL Mollina and Loja Branch, and is located in Calle La Parata 1, 18310 Salar, Granada (see link to map just below).
Gran Alacant Advertiser
A magazine containing information of news, businesses and news around the Gran Alacant and surrounding areas.
Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain
Government information for British citizens on how to get state healthcare if you live, work or study in Spain.
www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-spain-including-the-balearic-and-canary-islands
See map at [37.1459,-4.0675]
National Heat Alert System
The Spanish Ministry of Health has launched an English version of its national heat alert system, just in time for summer.
This tool helps vulnerable people—including older adults, those with health conditions, and families with young children—stay informed and safe during heatwaves.
The system provides 3-day forecasts of unusually high temperatures, tailored to each province. For example, 30℃ might not trigger an alert in Seville, but it could in Oviedo—because alerts are based on what’s considered extreme for each region.
www.sanidad.gob.es/en/excesoTemperaturas2025/meteosalud.do
See map at [37.1459,-4.0675]
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes is a British charity which supports members of the British Armed Forces community with their physical and mental health, as well as their financial, social and welfare needs.
Living in Spain
Government information for British citizens moving to or living in Spain, including guidance on residency, healthcare and passports.
www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain
See map at [37.1459,-4.0675]
The Long, Long Trail
Researching soldiers of the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1918.
- Find out how to research a soldier’s story
- Histories of regiments, units and formations
Military App
The Military App is a mobile and web-app community platform for veterans, serving soldiers and their families that is strengthening connection, building support and driving in-person engagement.
The Military App has been specifically designed for Unit and Regimental HQs and Associations, operating as a non MOD platform to transform the way they can communicate with, connect and support members across their entire Regimental / Corps Family.
As of June 2025, the following comunities are available:
- Army Air Corps
- Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
- HQ Royal Armoured Corps
- Mercian Regiment
- Op Belonging
- Royal Anglian
- Royal Logistic Corps
- Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
- Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
- Royal Tank Regiment
- Royal Welsh
- The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals
- The Queen’s Royal Hussars
- The Royal Lancers
- The Royal Yeomanry
- Veteran Games & Conference
N332
The website provides information relating to driving in Spain, news about traffic, driving and motoring matters, specifically of interest to non-Spaniards. It uses many sources but primarily Spanish laws relating to driving, cars and motoring, as well as current information provided by the DGT traffic department.
N332 is named after one of the main roads in Spain. The N-332 runs down the east coast, through Costa Blanca, and serves places such as Benidorm, Alicante, Santa Pola, Torrevieja, Orihuela and Cartagena. Perhaps not as famous as Route 66, it pays homage to the roads of Spain through its name.
Navy News
Reporting from the fleet, it brings you the latest news, features and award-winning photographs from the front-line. Navy News has been reporting on all that happens in the Royal Navy and its wider community since 1954.
www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/navy-news
See map at [37.1459,-4.0675]
Old Comrades
The Chelsea Pensioners Veterans’ Outreach aim is “helping older veterans to lead a better life for longer”.
Based on the Chelsea Pensioner model of care that prizes comradeship, peer support and an active lifestyle, this digital community is for older veterans anywhere who have served in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and the Merchant Navy.
oldcomrades.com
chelsea-pensioners.co.uk
See map at [37.1459,-4.0675]
Parbate
The magazine for Gurkha soldiers and their families
Passport Renewal Online
To renew your passport online costs £101 for an adult.
You’ll need:
- your old passport
- any valid passports you have from a different country
- send either a colour photocopy of every page (including blank ones) or the physical passport
- a digital photo
- a credit or debit card
www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew
See map at [37.1459,-4.0675]
Policía Nacional (National Police)
If you have been a victim of a theft or robbery in Spain you can report the incident in English online to the Policía Nacional using the “Virtual Complaints Office”. It’s no longer possible to make a police report over the phone in English. Please note that there are quite a number of circumstances under which you may not use the online complaint form, as explained on the first page of their website. After completing the online form you have to go to your nearest police station in person within 72 hours to sign the form.
denuncias.policia.es/OVD/?lang=en_GB
See map at [37.1459,-4.0675]
Poppy Shop
Unfortunately the Poppy Shop does not deliver to Spain. You can order online from Spain but you will need a UK shipping address to receive purchases.
The Pub
The Pub on Masa Square is home to the Gran Alacant & La Marina branch of the RBL
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063958185988
See map at [38.2339,-0.5433]
Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides lifelong support to serving and ex‑serving RAF personnel and their families. They’ll consider any request for assistance, however big or small, providing a tailor‑made approach to each individual situation. From mobility aids and confidential counselling to financial grants, they offer a range of support tailored to the individual’s needs.
RAF News
Royal Air Force News is the official newspaper of the Royal Air Force. Published every fortnight, the paper brings news, features on topical issues and life in the service, developments in military aviation and air power, reviews of significant events, and the history of the RAF.
RBL Knowledge Base
The Legion’s online self-help resource centre. With intuitive search and browse features to find the help or information you need. There’s also an online chat.
RBL Spain District North
Spain District North administers and supports the delivery of welfare services plus the membership and fundraising activities of the RBL’s fifteen branches throughout Northern Spain, from the French border in the north, to Roquetas de Mar, Almeria in the south, including the Balearic islands. The Madrid Branch is part of District North.
counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-district-north
eu.jotform.com/app/240832545088359
See map at [38.2339,-0.5433]
The Royal Charter
The Royal British Legion is a body incorporated by Royal Charter rather than under the Companies Act. The RBL’s first Royal Charter was granted to the British Legion, as it was known then, in 1925 by King George Ⅴ. Over the years, that first Charter has been changed by various Supplemental Charters to ensure it develops to reflect the changing needs of the serving and ex-Service community, and the evolving structure of The Royal British Legion.
The latest completely new Supplemental Charter was granted on 30th May 2003 and since then changes have been made which have been incorporated in various versions of the 2003 Charter. The most recent version, 15, is dated 30th September 2023.
storage.rblcdn.co.uk/sitefinity/docs/default-source/campaigns-policy-and-research/royal-charter-2003-and-rules-v17.pdf
See map at [38.2339,-0.5433]
The Royal Naval Association
The Royal Naval Association provides companionship, comradeship and unity to everyone with a naval story, supporting them through life’s highs and lows.
www.royal-naval-association.co.uk
See map at [50.8012,-1.1086]
Samaritans in Spain
Samaritans in Spain is available to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. The organisation is based on the established Samaritans model, which has been in operation in the UK since 1953, and is available to all English speakers, irrespective of nationality, who reside in mainland Spain and the Islands. The service is offered via FREEPHONE 900 525 100 and is entirely confidential.
Soldier Magazine
For the last 80 years, the journalists of Soldier Magazine have stood side by side with Army troops to record seminal moments in our history. As the official magazine of the British Army, the publication includes a wide selection of not-to-be-missed news, features, sports, reviews and letters. Read online or download.
www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/publications/soldier-magazine
See map at [37.9495,-0.7153]
Spain and the UK
News from the UK government relating to Spain.
Spain in English
A free online newspaper. Spain in English is for anyone living in Spain, visiting Spain, studying, working or doing business in Spain.
SSAFA
SSAFA, the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association, is the oldest tri-service UK charity. It provides trusted support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents. Anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families, both regulars and reserves, is eligible for their help.
Support in Spain
Support in Spain is an independent, not-for-profit community website. It is aimed at British residents over 50 and other international residents in Spain who may need extra advice or help. It aims to fight social exclusion and vulnerability by improving the information available to people living in a less familiar country.
The project was started in 2017 following research by the University of Birmingham on British nationals over 50 living in Spain. This original research showed that there is an urgent need for better information within the community on support available to help foreign nationals living in Spain as they reach old age or face difficulties in life. Better information and guidance avoids some residents becoming vulnerable or falling into social exclusion and placing extra burden on the Spanish authorities or on their family back in their home countries.
Support for Veterans and their Families
This page replaces the now defunct Veterans’ Gateway. Find help for veterans and their families, including support with physical and mental health, finance, employment, housing, social care and more. The directory lists organisations that provide support to veterans of the UK armed forces and their families.
www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-support-for-veterans-and-their-families
See map at [37.9495,-0.7153]
Translators and interpreters in Spain
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation lists all accredited translators and interpreters in Spain on its online database. You can search for translators and interpreters by name, location or language.
For example, to search for a translator and/or interpreter of English in Spain:
- select ‘España’ from the country menu (‘País’)
- select your region from the ‘Provincia’ drop-down list
- select ‘Inglés’ from the language drop-down list (‘Idioma’)
- check the box ‘Activo’ to ensure that only those interpreters and translators who are currently active are included in your results
Disclaimer
The following information has been prepared by the British Consulate General Madrid for the convenience of British Nationals who may require these services and assistance in Spain. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is correct, neither the RBL, nor the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) accepts any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may occur. The translators and interpreters included on the list are not recommendations by the FCDO and should not be treated as such.
www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Buscador-STIJ.aspx
See map at [37.9495,-0.7153]
Union Jack Club
Going to or passing through London? The Union Jack Club is a club for non-commissioned serving and veteran members of HM Forces and their families. Located adjacent to London Waterloo Station, the club has over 260 rooms for accommodation (singles, twins, doubles, fully accessible, family, suite and flats), restaurant, bar, and a small library.
The idea for the club came from Ethel McCaul, a nurse who served in field hospitals during the South African War at the start of the 20th century. She noted that while officers enjoyed membership of various gentlemen’s clubs in London, no equivalent existed for enlisted personnel and was adamant that servicemen and their families should have somewhere to stay at no more of a cost than one day’s pay.
HM King Charles Ⅲ is the Patron-in-Chief.
Veterans’ Gateway
This service has been replaced by the Support for Veterans and their Familes page.
www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-support-for-veterans-and-their-families
See map at [51.5035,-0.1105]
Veterans’ News and Communications Hub
The Hub enables forces-friendly organisations across all sectors to showcase the continued value of the UK’s highly skilled veteran community.
www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-news-and-communications-hub
See map at [51.5035,-0.1105]
Veterans’ UK Armed Forces pension and insurance declaration forms
A cause for concern is that there are still almost 15,000 pension benefits that remain unclaimed and thousands of entitled Veterans could be missing out. Anyone serving after April 1975, now aged 60 or over, could have an Armed Forces Pension if they served for two years or more. Download one of the forms on the website when claiming an Armed Forces Pension.
www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-uk-armed-forces-pensions-forms
See map at [51.5035,-0.1105]
Walking With The Wounded (WWTW)
A charity for veterans, founded by veterans
Walking With The Wounded ‘WWTW’ is a leading UK military charity which recognises that those who served, deserve. We empower veterans by reigniting their sense of purpose, enabling them to make a positive contribution to their communities and lead independent lives.
We’ve achieved so much for UK military veterans since we began working in 2010, and are committed to always doing more. Through pioneering programmes and adventurous expeditions, we’ve always had the courage to help those ex‑service personnel who need personalised support to rebuild their lives and feel part of society once again.
The charity has organised several expeditions with wounded veterans:
- The 2011 North Pole expedition
- The 2012 attempt to summit Everest
- 2013 South Pole expedition
- 2015 Walk Of Britain
- Walk Of America 2018
- The Walk Of Oman 2021 (Reimagined in the UK)