About us

BLESMA is a National Charity, Registered Charity Number 1084189 for Limbless and Ex-Service Men and Women, their dependants and Widows. The objectives 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. We will also help those who lose a limb after service.

Today, BLESMA are aiding thousands of amputees of all ages. From those who served during WWII, to recent conflicts and peace keeping missions.

Categories of Membership are:

Ordinary Member Shall be open to all those Serving and Ex-Serving Men and Women who, whilst serving or as a result of Service in any branch of HM Forces or Auxiliary Forces:

Have lost a limb or an eye

Have permanent loss of speech, hearing or sight of an eye or the use of a limb. Within the context of Membership, "permanent" shall mean not less than 80% loss of speech, hearing or sight

Associate Member Shall be open to:

All Men and Women of civilian status who lose a limb or an eye as a result of War Service or enemy action

All Ex-Service Men and Women who have lost a limb or an eye other than through Service related causes

Honorary Member Shall be open by invitation of the Trustees to all Men and Women who accept and support the objects of the Association except that such category of Member shall only have the right to vote when holding or occupying a Branch Appointment

The Association needs to raise a minimum of 1 million pounds each year within the parameters of the objects of the Association. Included amongst these are the following

a. Provide permanent residential and convalescent holiday accommodation through our two nursing and residential Homes at Blackpool and Crieff in Perthshire.

b. Provide a counselling service to individuals pre and post amputations.

c. Furnish advice on Pensions, Allowances, make representation to Government Departments on individual entitlements and, where necessary, represent Members and their dependants at Pensions Appeal Tribunals.

d. Provide financial assistance to Members and Widows in the form of Grants

e. Plan and organise rehabilitation programmes for the Amputee.

f. Assist in finding suitable employment for Amputees.

g. Provide limited funding for research and development into artificial limbs and in the training of prosthetists and orthotists.

h. Act as a Consumer Watchdog in respect of the provision of artificial limbs, wheelchairs and appliances.

The invaluable support of many, enables BLESMA to continue its work and maintain a high level of care for those who wish to lead a normal life.