BLESMA is a national charity for limbless ex-Service men and women. The objects of the Association are to promote the welfare of all those of either sex who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or the use of limbs as a result of service in any branch of Her Majesty's Forces or auxiliary forces and to assist needy dependants of such service limbless. It will also help those ex-Service men and women who lose a limb for whatever reason after service.
BLESMA also provides:
- Permanent residential and convalescent respite accommodation through its two nursing and residential homes at Blackpool and Crieff in Perthshire.
- Counselling service to individuals pre and post amputations.
- Advice on pensions, allowances, makes representation to government departments on individual entitlements and, where necessary, represents members and their dependants at pensions appeal tribunals.
- Financial assistance to members and widows in the form of grants.
- Plans and organises rehabilitation programmes for the members.
- Assists in finding suitable employment for members.
- Limited funding for research and development into artificial limbs and in the training of prosthetists and orthotists.
- Acts as a consumer watchdog in respect of the provision of artificial limbs, wheelchairs and appliances.
The association is supported entirely by voluntary subscription.
Background 
The British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (BLESMA) recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.
BLESMA began as an idea among wounded soldiers living in Glasgow in 1920 who were struggling to survive in the so-called “land fit for heroes”. It formed as a national charity in 1932, specifically dedicated to helping limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their dependants and in particular their widows.
The 75th celebrations were held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, attended by Royal Patron HRH The Duke of Gloucester, and hosted by BLESMA’s National President Major General The Duke of Westminster. There were a range of presentations and ceremonies, including a service of remembrance and dedication, music from the Band of the Corps of Royal Signals and a stunning parachute drop by the Red Devils.
Object of the Association
To promote the welfare of all those men and women who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes as a result of military service.
To assist needy dependants and, in particular, war widows, of limbless ex-service personnel.
The operation of two residential and convalescent holiday homes at Blackpool and Crieff in Scotland.
To help limbless ex-service personnel find employment after discharge from the Service and assist in their training to do so.
The provision of a comprehensive Welfare Visiting and Casework Service in respect of pensions, entitlements and other allowances.
The representation, were necessary, of any BLESMA member, at Pension Appeals Tribunals.
The provision of rehabilitation training programmes to assist members to return to a near normal a life as possible.
Provision of financial support to organisations involved with research and development into artificial limbs and the provision of funding to assist the training of Prosthetists.
Representation to National Government, Local Authorities and other interested organisations on all matters affecting the limbless disabled.
BLESMA Branches
There are 22 Branches located throughout the UK plus fourteen BLESMA Welfare Representatives in those areas where no Branch exists.
Nursing and Residential Homes
BLEMA provide two residential homes, one in Blackpool and one in Cardiff.
The two BLESMA Homes provide a high level of accommodation with each room having en suite bathing and toilet facilities.
They are designed to:
- Provide permanent residence for severely disabled limbless ex-service personnel especially those who are without near relatives.
- Temporary residence for those who are in need of a change of air and for relatives who need a break from nursing care.
- Periods of convalescence after illness, operations or treatment.
- Short term holiday accommodation for limbless ex-service personnel and other war pensioners and their wives.
The Home in Blackpool is located on the southern edge of Blackpool and is only four hundred yards from the beach. We have been here since 1948 and we provide nursing and residential care for ex-service men and women and offer 24 hour cover of nursing and care supported by the local doctor and hospitals and of course by our own nursing and care staff.
BLESMA aim to make life for our residents one of dignity; privacy and one always dispensed with humanity. Our residents are encouraged to fully participate in decisions for their daily living and join our visits and trips out into the local areas. They are also encouraged to make use of the many and varied community resources available.
Membership
Details of membership can be obtained from:
The British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association
Frankland Moore House
185 - 187 High Road
Chadwell Heath
Romford
Essex
RM6 6NA Telephone: 020 8590 1124
Fax: 020 8599 2392
Further Information
For more information, please visit the BLESMA website on http://www.blesma.org/