How did you hear about the Legion's Breaks Services?
Ex serviceman,s information drop in centre
My father has attended before without the need for a carer.
Heard when i was in the drop in center in Belfast.
Through the Royal Irish regiment welfare
Approached by Byng House and offered a regimental break week
Told about them by Chairman of the local branch
RBL Helped us after my husband was diagnosed with cancer.
The RBL Helped us when my husband was diagnosed with cancer of larynx

Did you benefit from your break and, if so, how?
Yes very much. It gave me a holiday and a chance to relax going into my retirement.
The break at byng house,was absolutely marvellous, after being diagnosed with cancer, it gave me time to recuperate,and the care i recieved was second to none.
Spent quality time together as a family, No restrictions for disabilities
Being able to mix with like minded people. Made to feel very welcome and well looked after. Having PTSD i am more or less a recluse at home and if I am successful in getting a break I find it very beneficial albeit for just a short time.
I did. I was able to take my children on holiday that I would nit been able to afford otherwise. The break meant that i was able to apease my feelings of guilt and anxiety centred around my percection of not being able to provide my children with the same holidays as other families. It def helped reduce my stress and build my resilience in terms of my mental health.
Yes , it was good for me and my family to get a break away the children especially enjoyed it byng house in Southport was amazing the staff are brilliant
The break wag great. I was able to relax, enjoy the company of fellow retired army people. Enjoy a 5* service which I would never have been ab,e to afford. The staff were great.
Yes had time to relax and bond with my family and meet new friends
needed to get away due to long term illness
Being with other veterans, socialising very important.
It was a wonderful opportunity to support my father in such a caring, comfortable setting. It gave me a boost.
Completely distressed, unwound, cherished the break from reality in luxury surroundings. Made to feel valued and share memories with like minded people
Yes it was the first family holiday in a couple of years. Very relaxing and stress free.
It was a lovely relaxing family break, got speaking to other family in similar positions to ourselves
It gave a great break from household duties and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.
Yes time for myself and wife to relax and enjoy time to ourselves
Yes. Relaxed and enjoyed being pampered!
It gave me time to relax and de-stress, made some new friends
Oh yes totally recharged our batteries and gave us a break from on going trauma
Yes as I have two learning disabilities kids and it's great too get away with them
I'm single 2 kids 19 with special needs and 13yrs and it helps me to relax and meet other parents for company
Helped me to relax and forget about my daily problems.
Yes.it gave me confidence to go away alone .and helped me meet new friends in similar situation as me
Yes, at the time I was struggling with a break up and shortly before leaving the service, being around close friends and their families helped my mental health at the time
Yes I did. It gave me a break that I was not able to afford any other way. Afterwards I felt refreshed and able to carry on with my illness and help to recharge my batteries so to speak.
I really enjoyed the break as I don’t get out and about much due to mobility and we were so well treated and met some lovely people.
Yes it was a welcome break during a very stressful time for myself and young family. We could not have been able to afford a break otherwise.
yes. Immensly, I looked forward to it for months and couldn't stop talking about it for weeks afterwards
Yes very relaxing and well looked after.
Yes. I had been ill prior to break and was feeling very low and just being in Bennett House made me feel better
Yes. Wonderful place and staff. Very family orientated. Lots of activities and outings to suit all or places to sit quietly if preferred. Situated on the prom. A week of stress free fun with like minded people and brought our family together.
Very much so, improved my mental well being as well as being able to see my children enjoy a holiday, particularly after very difficult periods in our lives.
Yes made lots of friends and discovered new ways of entertainment
Gave myself and family a chance to get away for a while
A break from everyday living and constant caring of my partner that I would not have achieved ordinarily.
Yes my husband has dementia and it gave us time to be cared for and looked after without any preconditions
Felt well rested, looked after, lovely surroundings
My husband was serving in Afghanistan so it was a huge help to me and my 3 children. It gave us a break away from army life, and allowed the children to have their 1st holiday.
Fantastic great staff couldn't do enough for you really made welcome fantastic break great location
Very much our family benefited, it was a relaxing break which gave us a chance as a family to mend some issues.
Yes it gave us family time with less stress as husband has PTSD and he was able to talk and socialise with people in similar situation
Absolutely.. being around people who cared (faith in humanity again), also those in a similar boat and being able to leave worries behind you... Also, it gave a well earned break for my elderly Dad who had been running around after me since i had an accident (1 year). We came away feeling a million % better and ready to face the world again..fresh air and walking on the sand every day made a massive difference to my mobility..
My children and I could have fun and take part in activities while knowing my husband was safe and not on his own in the hotel.
immenselly, saved our marriage. Had been seperated due to stress partner had having left NAVY service. Difficult in civvy street AND living in Northern Ireland!
Yes. Social inclusion, being able to spend quality time with the children , safe environment for my husband , simply a less stressful week away making forced memories
It was the 1st holiday we had had for several years. The service was amazing .
Yes. It is our second family holiday ever since my head of household joined up, which was 15 yrs ago.
Absolutely it took away all the problems of being disabled and having to look after ones self.
Yes most definitely i suffer from depression and it gave me a chance to regain my life
To watch my husband and son enjoy all the activities, and not worry about me was fabulous, and I could just relax at Bennett house, great break for them with wonderful people.
Time to recharge batteries and relax amongst my brethren with no questions asked
Yes we both did as we hadn't been on holiday for a few years. I have health problems myself .
I haven’t been able to spend a day not doing housework or cooking for years
It was wonderful to share the time with my father and have the company of other carers and those who have served.
yes it was the 1st break for a long time after losing job through ill health it got me out and helped tremendously with my depression
Yes, it was good for myself and my wife who cares for me. The relaxing atmosphere of Byng House was great and it was brilliant to be able to get a holiday.
No as we are full time carers for our 2 severely disabled sons the break did not cater for people with severe disabilities. No activities could be taken with anyone else as our children could never take part. Meal times bad as we were trying to feed r children in front of people. We never got a break as we still had to care for our children. A week was too long We should have been given a short break like for a weekend just the 2 of us No flexibility for families with disabled children Felt very left out and on our own
Yes beneficial to my health plus great for Our family with2 young kids
Yes...most Amazing place to stay is Byng House
Yes had great time and staff were brilliant
We spent quality time together as a family and spend time with my husbands family; we don't see them often due to distance
Felt very tied. Not flexible enough. Meal times can be awkward. Don't want week long breaks. What's wrong with weekend breaks or Monday to Wednesday. Or Wednesday to Friday breaks. All lot geared at tiny children. Not a lot for teenagers.
Yes, a very much needed break away from our everyday life and time away on holiday that otherwise we could not have afforded, also doing various activities we would not have been able to afford.
Yes. Very relaxing atmosphere. Excellent staff. Excellent accommodation. Excellent food.
Yes I have two children that require 24hr medical care sleep apnea swollowing problems behaver problems and more
Very much so. Gave me a chance to recharge my batteries.
Byng House...there is not any words of praise which could express the welcome/the enjoyment/the fun and as for the Staff the entire Staff....well again they are just the best...This Team and Building are a Credit to the Legion and are leaders in Care/kindness ...Honest I am finding it hard to really express how Fantastic these folk really are...Byng House is a Building but the Staff are the Cement ..... without them Byng is as it is A Building..
Yes I was in need of recuperation after serious illness and bereavement
Felt better in myself as husband had been having course of radiotherapy
yes very much staff were first class and the rest did me good

Did you participate in any pre-planned activities during your recent break? Would you recommend these activities to others attending the breaks?
Yes we attended craft sessions,bingo,etc,i would definately recommend them
Was only able to go to the Blackpool lights tour due to mobility problems but would highly recommend the tours
Yes, i participted in all and would 100% recommend this same to other families.
Yes , the activities where family based we dont usually get to do that iind of stuff with the children so we all really enjoyed it
Yes I participated in a few of the activities and I would recommend them to others
Yes every day some could be planned better for those with disabilites
Yes. Went on most of the trips. Didn't go to others due to weather. Definitely recommend. Also attended all social items in house.
Yes. Bingo sessions, day trips to places of interest, evening entertainment.
Yes, several and extremely well organised
Yes and yes. There was a variety of different activities for all ages and abilities.
Yes if your up to them they accommodate everyone
Yes, and yes I would highly recommend the activities put on by Byng House
Yes I enjoyed the decoupage and we also made felt poppies very therapeutic and would highly recommend to others.
Yes went on trips and did some art work.
Yes but unable to take part in craft as I have Arthritis in my hands. Yes
Yes. We went to knowsley safari park, bowling and lots of in house activities.
Yes absolutely amazing no hesitation in recommending
Yes and would definitely recommend the activities
Social activities each evening...yes highly recommend
Yes; the children got a lot entertainment out of the trips that were planned; took away some of the pressure of finding places and things to do
Yes... and most definately..they were outstanding and wont forget them. we have already recommended the whole experience to others.word of mouth and social media
Yes and they were fun and well organised
as a family of 3 we did every single trip and activity, best one for the whole group was the coast diving, got to know the other families and we are still in touch. great day. but all events were very good
Yes , they were fun and ventured around the kids who had a great time
I did not participate myself but can see the enjoyment of others
I didn’t but could see the enjoyment others had by doing them
Trips to Liverpool, Chester, Cleveleys, St Anne's.
activities are fantastic and highly reccomended to get you back into the mainstream of thing
We went on the outings and would definately recommend these to others
Yes and to be Honest i did not plan to i just wanted to watch ....but the Staff at Byng give me the strength to get up and go...
Yes the activities made the break what it is and were fun and enjoyable
Didn't participate, but was advised they were good.
I didn’t participate but other people seemed to enjoy them
Yes enjoyed every moment and would recommend taking part

Did you feel a sense of community during your break? Please give details:
It was like being back in the army comeradery all over again .
Yes i did, even staff were always involved
Yes with the family of ex service personnel
Yes, I felt looked after and a sense of pride that I was part of the Forces for whom the place was built.
Yes, I don't usually mix well with new people as I have severe anxiety but I found it more easier being with other people who where in my same position
Yes everyone was very pleasant and friendly
Yes I chatted to others who had served and we exchanged experiences. We laughed at the funny things we experienced and shared some of the somber moments. There was great respect between everyone.
Definitely. All attended spoke to each other
Especially so. We have maintained a friendship with the couple we sat at the table with for each meal. The community spirit and sense of belonging is very strong. We laughed and shared good times together. We laughed very loudly!!
Yes, the staff were exceptionally accommodating and supportive, I truly felt like I belonged for the duration of my stay
Yes the staff were great very friendly and we all felt welcome. Also we socialised in the evening after the days events were over with the other family's on the break.
All the family's were lovely and we r still in contact with them
Yes I got friendly with two more couples.
Yes look forward to seeing people i met while there
Yes- I got to know other ex-service personnel and made new friends
Yes it was easy to mix with other and we were all in a similar position one way or another.
Yes as I meet new people who I still see today
Got to know a few older veterans and became friends,
yes, comfortablr around other service families.
I felt that being there alone brought me closer to other people and helped me to take part in activities with people I didn't know
Yes, as this was one of the regimental weeks, I felt part of the community more so afterwards
Speaking wth people that you know have had the same experiences has you and that you understood what they are saying because you have had the same type of problems.
Yes it was nice to meet people from different parts of the Provence and hear their stories.
Yes. Being able to communicate with others who served/families of those who served is important.
definatly, It is brilliant to be able to spend time relaxing with people who understand what you have been through and to reminisce about your time in the forces
Yes met new friends and everyone on the break got on really well and had stories to tell.
I was able to talk about my Military Service openly.
Yes. The communal sitting areas were great to bring people together. The activities got us all mixing too and the kids all made friends quickly and helped the families get to know each other.
The sense of community came from being with like minded people, who understood even though dealing with their own difficulties. The staff were amazingly empathetic and very easy to talk with too.
Yes felt we'd arrived as strangers and left as friends
Without a doubt, families got on well and socialised outside of the hotel
Yes there is a sense of community with both guests and staff
Yes It was a pleasure to meet and converse with like minded vets and their family’s and caters
Was like being welcomed back to a family
It was nice to mix with other service personnel on non professional level and found it easy to socialise and talk about service that had been done.
My husband felt at ease as he was able to relate to people
Yes.. all like minded individuals.. typical sense of humour.. all looking out for one another.
Yes we are still in contact with people we met 12 years ago on our first break, they get you and can support you in ways you didn't even realise.
Completly, chatting with other service families was the best thing ever, never done that before, navy families live so far apart that it never happened. we were each others therapists.
Yes. It was great being able To spend time with people who understand not only military life but some of the aftermath we all have to deal with . We remain friends with several Families which is great and gives us a social network
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. N
Yes. I was nice to meet other families. Especially the ex- service families frim different backgrounds.
I found that during conversations that we had with other guests we actually knew what each other were talking about!! Kindred spirits and all that . It was like continuing a conversation from 30years ago
Yes the staff are amazing and the other people on break at alderson house were so friendly
Yes . The staff were brilliant and everyone was very friendly.
Yes, it was good to have banter and chat about things that I don’t have the opportunity to at home
Wonderful community feel and we have kept in contact with those we shared a table with at each meal.
yes the feeling you had in the forces comes back the feeling of being as one and comradeship
The sence of community during the break was great. Everyone chatted with one another and there was plenty of time to get to know others who were taking a break.
Yeah it was fantastic and we made some great friends and so did Our children...we made memories for life
I just loved the Feeling of Being OUT OF N.Ireland....getting to take a break over seas was Brilliant...Portrush is Ok dont get me wrong but its N.Ireland....one really needs to get away from Here...
Yes all the families got on real well and still in touch with a few
It was lovely getting to know different people
Yes having the forces in common is always a sense of belonging and community, doing activities and socialising with people
It's good to be in the company of other veterans.
I met some nice people will i was there but suffered some health problems while i was away and received very little help from the staff
Yes everyone really pulled together if some one was having a bad day
I think I built a great rapport with the two couples on my table at meal times, and with others throughout the week. Having a common background really facilitated this.
Just having a Chat with those who had been there done it & wore the T/Shirt...really meant something....being able to Get OUT of N.Ireland for a Week was a Gods Gift to me and my Wife Thank you......Great atmosphere really lifted me out of the doom and gloom. I really hope whoever reads my responses takes note and acknowledge the fantastic work the ENTIRE staff at Byng House do......Signed Keith A Johnston.
Yes everyone talked to everyone else and the atmosphere was really welcoming and friendly
Very much so, we made friends who we still are in touch with from our first visit in 2014 and we request to get our revisits at the same time.

Have you accessed any other RBL services? Please give details:
Other than using the local branch for social events no.
Yes after my son was medically discharged from Scots guards they help us pay for a security badge after he’d attended a course and passed to get him back into work . He has since had work with various security companies including G4S
Yes.. prior to this they helped me get a fridge and mattress.. (since my accident i could not get any help or wage, used savings, no heating etc, i had no fridge for 8 months)
We have received financial support when my husbands illness caused him to lose his job.
yes a uniform grant from womens section once when youngest son got into local College.
They gave us help sorting financial matters out .
Yes I have. Have managed to get electric wheelchair . Proper bed and reclining chair. Previous help sorting bills out
Not at the moment but I have relevant information if I need to
Somerset House was good but not as fab as Byng house..
I had help with filling in DLA, and PIP forms from the RBL.
Somerset House....Really Good but being totally Honest...I did not get the same Lift of Spirit I got at Byng House...I am not Knocking Somerset House but Byng House just has the edge...
Attend RBL clubs if available in area, also RBL Southport XMAS and SUMMER FAIRS

None - too fragmented, too many charities and organisations involved, too much money wasted on hierarchy and ivory towers
RAF Benevolence Fund - for family members who are ex RAF
NHS and Education via Salford University
UDR Aftercare. Respite break to Portrush for the last 4 years.
Combat Stress Veterans' mental health transition, intervention and liaison service
no, we are not eligible as husband is ex NAFFI, and no one else recognises his 16 years service with the Army then with the Royal Navy.
I have a mobility scooter that was provided jointly by the legion and the the signals association.
SSAFA is helping me to replace a broken boiler.