THE Royal British Legion has launched an 'urgent' appeal to recruit new volunteers for this year's Poppy Appeal on Wirral as calls for assistance increase.

The charity, which marked its 100th anniversary last year, is looking for Poppy Appeal Organisers to cover a number of areas including Hoylake, Moreton and Thornton Hough.

Ruth Jones, community fundraiser for Wirral, said: "We really want to thank everyone across the borough who got involved and supported the Poppy Appeal in 2021, but we have seen a reduction in the number of our collectors following the pandemic, with many still anxious about returning to their normal way of life, but the RBL still has a job to do and we remain optimistic for this year."

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Ruth continued: "The RBL's work is even more vital than ever as we support people from all generations who have new hardships as a result of both Covid and the current cost-of-living crisis, which has had a devastating impact on people's livelihoods right across the Wirral, leaving some in our Armed Forces community in dire need of help and support."

Calls to the RBL for assistance accessing food have increased dramatically, with people needing help to feed themselves and their families.

The RBL is currently helping people who are facing homelessness, struggling to feed their children or in financial crisis. Many of them never imagined they would have to ask for charity support."

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Ruth added: "Our volunteers are more important than ever. Every year they play a critical role across the Wirral to meet the huge public demand for our poppies, the nation's symbol of Remembrance.

"The Appeal raises about half of the funds we need for our welfare work every year, and anyone who volunteers will receive lots of support and enjoyment from taking part."

Anyone who would like to volunteer this year can email ReJones@britishlegion.org.uk.