Up until recently there were only two trained welfare caseworkers for the Royal British Legion who covered the whole of Thailand, Bert Elson based in Chonburi and Glenn Croston in Chiang Mai. Both of these had travelled as far as Hat Yai, Udon Thani and all points in between to visit those in need who were in hospital or housebound. Things have now improved vastly due to a course recently held in Pattaya.
In May, Bert Elson attended not only an advanced caseworkers course in the UK but also a trainers course to enable him to pass this on to potential caseworkers in Thailand.
Graham Macdonald, president of the Royal British Legion Thailand presents a certificate of thanks to Bert Elson for the welfare work carried out in Thailand.
Bert held his first course in August with a total of eight students from Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Korat and Chonburi, all being put through their paces with lectures, discussions, presentations, case studies, role plays and of course exams.
The course covered such things as the history of the Royal British Legion and its Welfare structure, the case working process and planning your visit, eligibility, effective communication and establishing need, hospital and housebound visits, statutory benefits, vulnerable people and ending with detailed reports and forms. All this was carried out over a two day period in the MBMG/MLG offices on South Pattaya Road and we thank them for the use of such fine facilities.
All the candidates passed the course and in fact one is now dealing with a case in North Thailand, we hope to spread our wings further by training caseworkers for the likes of Phuket and other islands, the North East and Central Thailand along with wherever there is an ex-service community.
(L to R) Trainer Bert Elson, Derek Brook, Bob Machin, Fred Beavis, Dorothy Knowles, Andy Kay, John Hocking, and Reg Knowles; missing with camera Trevor Dobson.
The Royal British Legion Thailand is open to all members of the community and you do not need to have served in the UK Armed Forces to become a member. You must, however, abide by our principles, being the care of those that have served, are serving and/or their dependents. We meet every Sunday at Tropical Bert’s on Second Road or contact Bert for further details.
