Headquarters Brigade of Gurkhas

Mission

To assist in the coordination of benevolence and welfare for retired Gurkhas in the UK; working closely with the service charities and other agencies, in order to support those in need.                                                                

Role & Responsibilities

The role of the Gurkha Welfare Support Office is to provide advice and assistance both direct to retired Gurkhas and to the service charities and other agencies helping them. In particular, it is responsible for:

• Handling welfare-related enquiries - including providing advice, conducting   interviews/visits and coordinating assistance.
• Liaising with service charities, employment associations, and government departments/other agencies.
• Developing/coordinating the Brigade's network of 'informal support' and comradeship, working with regimental associations.
• Providing guidance on prudent planning to avoid welfare problems.
• Disseminating information on the Brigade's UK welfare arrangements.

Background

With the introduction of the new HM Forces Immigration Rule in October 2004, significant numbers of retired Gurkhas became entitled to live and work in the UK. This created the need for a welfare structure for those who might fall on hard times. The Army Benevolent Fund, The Royal British Legion, SSAFA-Forces Help and other service charities all pledged to assist Gurkhas in the same way as they support British ex-servicemen. The Brigade Secretariat in HQ Brigade of Gurkhas took on a coordinating role and, in April 2007, opened the Gurkha Welfare Support Office in Aldershot as a forward operating base. The Gurkha Welfare Trust, while continuing to concentrate on its vital work alleviating hardship and distress in Nepal, is making annual grants to the Army Benevolent Fund for welfare in the UK.                                                                         

Contact Details

Brigade Welfare Officer - Capt Mahendra Limbu

Tel: 01252 355127 or 94222 8127 Mil

Assistant Brigade Welfare Officer - Mr Tulbahadur Gurung

Tel/Fax: 01252 355128 or 94222 8128 Mil

Postal address:

Gurkha Welfare Support Office
New Normandy Barracks
Evelyn Woods Road, Aldershot
Hants
GU11 2LZ 

E-mail: gurkhawelfaresp@hotmail.co.uk