Useful Links & Apps
The Royal British Legion Madrid Branch is not sponsored by, nor does it endorse, nor vouch for, any of these organisations and websites. The links are for informational purposes only.
Link rot is the phenomenon of hyperlinks tending over time to cease to point to their originally targeted file, web page, or server due to that resource being relocated to a new address or becoming permanently unavailable. The links on this page are regularly checked but some link rot may creep in. We apologise in advance for any incovenience caused.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. If you’re a member of the Armed Forces (regular or reserve), a veteran, or a family member, the Covenant offers a wide variety of support.
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. It is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It also marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, when the public show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community. It also includes Reserves Day (26 June), which provides the country with an opportunity to recognise our Reserve Forces.
Bizum for donations
You can make a donation to the RBL Madrid Branch by using the Bizum option on your bank app. Select ‘Bizum’ and then ‘Send money to NGO’ (Donativo a una ONG). Insert the remittance code ‘08525’ and the amount. Bizum does not charge a fee for this transaction. We use your donations to run the branch. All our funding comes from personal donations and membership fees which are entirely separate from the Poppy Appeal. The RBL never uses Poppy Appeal monies for Branch administration.
British Cemetery Madrid
Madrid British Cemetery was purchased in 1853 and belongs to the British Government. The cemetery contains one 1939-1945 Commonwealth War Grave and three 1914-18 Commonwealth War Graves. While predominantly a place of Christian burial, it has become a resting place for people of other faiths, including Judaism and Islam, and many nationalities. There are approximately 600 graves.
britishcemeteriesspain.org/foundation/en/cementerio-britanico-en-madrid
www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/54338/madrid-british-cemetery
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Cemetery_in_Madrid
British Consulate Madrid
The British Consulate General in Madrid represents the UK government in Madrid, northern and central Spain. The consulate can help British nationals in emergencies abroad and prioritises people who are vulnerable and need help the most. Services include finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters, dealing with a death in Spain, helping those arrested in Spain, victims of crime, and with hospitalisations due to a medical emergency.
www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-madrid
Brits in Spain
Brits in Spain is a Facebook community run by the British Embassy in Madrid for British people living in or visiting Spain. On this page there is information to help you make the most of your time in Spain and keep you up to date with latest developments.
Citizens Advice Bureau Spain
The site will assist you with all aspects relating to living, visiting, owning a holiday home or investing in Spain.
The Confederation of Service Charities
Cobseo provides a single point of contact for interaction with Government, including local government and the Devolved Administrations, with the Royal Household, with the Private Sector, and with other members of the Armed Forces Community.
Defence Discount Service
The official MoD discount service for the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community. Defence Discount Service provides discounts both online and on the high street for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community.
Living in Spain
Government information for British citizens moving to or living in Spain, including guidance on residency, healthcare and passports.
The Madrid Players
The Madrid Players is an amateur English‑language theatre group based in Madrid, founded over 50 years ago. There are over 130 members from many different backgrounds, mostly from English‑speaking countries, but also Spanish members and other English speakers. The members act, sing, dance, get involved in stage management, costumes, scenery, lights, sound, hair and makeup.
Policía Nacional (National Police)
If you have been a victim of a theft or robbery in Spain you can report the incident in English online to the Policía Nacional using the “Virtual Complaints Office”. It’s no longer possible to make a police report over the phone in English. Please note that there are quite a number of circumstances under which you may not use the online complaint form, as explained on the first page of their website. After completing the online form you have to go to your nearest police station in person within 72 hours to sign the form.
Poppy Shop
Unfortunately the Poppy Shop does not deliver to Spain. You will need a UK shipping address to receive purchases.
RBL Knowledge Base
The Legion’s online self-help resource centre. With intuitive search and browse features to find the help or information you need. There’s also an online chat.
RBL Military Membership
If you’re a serving member of the UK Armed Forces, regular or reserve, you can register on the RBL Military Member mailing list for free. As a Military member you’ll receive regular emails with great news stories, offers and information. Please be aware that this is a digital membership and does not have the benefits of a Branch Membership.
www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/things-to-do/membership/become-a-member/military-membership
RBL Spain District North
Spain District North administers and supports the delivery of welfare services plus the membership and fundraising activities of the RBL’s fifteen branches throughout Northern Spain, from the French border in the north, to Roquetas de Mar, Almeria in the south, including the Balearic islands. The Madrid Branch is part of District North.
The Royal Charter
The Royal British Legion is a body incorporated by Royal Charter rather than under the Companies Act. The RBL’s first Royal Charter was granted to the British Legion, as it was known then, in 1925 by King George Ⅴ. Over the years, that first Charter has been changed by various Supplemental Charters to ensure it develops to reflect the changing needs of the serving and ex-Service community, and the evolving structure of The Royal British Legion.
The latest completely new Supplemental Charter was granted on 30th May 2003 and since then changes have been made which have been incorporated in various versions of the 2003 Charter. The most recent version, 15, is dated 30th September 2023.
Samaritans in Spain
Samaritans in Spain is available to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. The organisation is based on the established Samaritans model, which has been in operation in the UK since 1953, and is available to all English speakers, irrespective of nationality, who reside in mainland Spain and the Islands. The service is offered via FREEPHONE 900 525 100 and is entirely confidential.
The Secret Kingdoms
Home of the RBL Madrid Branch. Secret Kingdoms is a family concern, born of their love of literature, and designed to serve English speaking book‑lovers in Madrid.
Veterans’ Gateway
The Veterans’ Gateway service covers welfare for all Tri-Service veterans, and their families: housing, employment, finances, living independently, mental wellbeing, families and communities, and physical health.
Useful Apps
AlertCops
The Police and Guardia Civil app. If you are the victim of a crime or you witness a crime, you can contact the police directly via the app. The app has an SOS button that alerts your contacts and the nearest police station of your situation.
alertcops.ses.mir.es/publico/alertcops/en/
Citymapper
Citymapper is a public transit app that can help you to get around Madrid, as well as many other cities. It integrates data for all urban modes of transport, including walking, cycling and driving, in addition to public transport. It is free of charge to users.