The Royal British Legion is increasing its national reach by opening a new contact centre in Wales.

The armed forces charity has opened the communications hub in Nantgarw in the South Wales Valleys to be its ‘central communications hub’ for all enquiries, from donations to urgent welfare needs.

Up to 15 new jobs will be created, with the Legion saying that many are being filled by a mixture of former armed services personnel, alongside public and voluntary sector professionals.

New online platform

Plans are also in place to expand the centre’s offering to a new online communication platform including web chat and ‘ask a question’ facilities, as well as extending the existing helpline to run seven days a week.

The new service is “good news all round” according to Sue Freeth, director of operations at the Royal British Legion.

“Beneficiaries, members and volunteers will be helped by a dedicated team of advisers who will help resolve queries or point them in the right direction in order to access the help they need,” she said.

The move is part of the charity’s larger modernisation programme, with the Legion hoping to provide more relevant and easily accessible facilities to the service families it supports with help, advice and support.

This programme will also mean the opening of 16 new walk-in advice and information centres across the UK during the next two years.