Royal Navy families urged to contact charity for help with the cost of living crisis

Up to 500,000 naval personnel, veterans and their dependants could be entitled to help as the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT) has launched a drive to get people to seek support after research it commissioned showed 57 per cent of people not being familiar with charitable help available to them.

Grants from the charity are available for anything from help with energy bills, to buying essential white goods like fridges and washing machines, modifications to homes and support getting into employment and setting up businesses.

As it celebrates its centenary, the charity has nearly £3 million available this year to help naval families who have been struggling during the cost-of-living crisis.

With the average age of a seaman being 30, research conducted by the RNBT found in the past year only five per cent of all grants have been given to those aged 18-34.

This was despite the research showing that 61 per cent of 18-34 year-olds are worried about going into debt in order to pay essential bills and are also concerned about the impact on their mental health.

Rob Bosshardt, chief executive of the RNBT, said: ‘I urge anyone from the naval family who needs help to get in touch with RNBT. The first call is always difficult, but you will be talking to someone who is keen to help.

‘We want to make a crucial difference at this difficult time for naval people and their families.’

A third of people admitted they were embarrassed to find out what support might be available to them.