Helpline: 0300 102 1919
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World Mental Health Day: "Paragliding makes me feel free from my demons"
In response to recent research that one in four people are affected by mental health problems the Fund has launched a Listening and Counselling Service providing confidential emotional support to those in the RAF Family who may be affected by various mental wellbeing difficulties.
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"Sport helps me to switch off and focus"
Former RAF driver Matt Neve discovered the rehabilitative nature of sport following his medical discharge from the Service in 2004. A tour in Iraq as part of Op Telic had left him suffering from PTSD, and it led to him leaving the job he loved. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we chat to Matt about his journey from medical discharge to recovery.
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"Counselling rescued me from a very dark place"
After 60 years together, 57 of them married Les Campsie knew he'd lost his soulmate when his wife Patricia passed away a year ago. Devastated and bowled over by his grief, RAF veteran Les turned to the RAF Benevolent Fund for help.
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Air Commodore Paul Hughesdon: Standing shoulder to shoulder with the RAF Family 365 days a year
It may seem fitting that today, on Blue Monday, known as the most depressing day of the year, we are launching new services to support the emotional wellbeing of the RAF Family.
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"Proving my doubters wrong made me realise I could do anything"
Considered a trailblazer as the first female medic to serve on the frontline with the RAF Regiment, former Flt Lt Michelle Partington had a successful RAF career. Despite her achievements she insists she was nothing special, "just one of the lads doing the job".
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Tackling mental health head on
Recently the country rallied behind the brave ex-service men and women as they once again represented the UK at the Invictus Games. It has been great to see our veterans getting the attention they deserve and shining a light on some of the issues they have faced since leaving the military. And if there is one issue that stood out to at this year's Games, it was mental health.
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"It's great to feel part of something again"
This Saturday, thousands of people will tune in to watch the closing ceremony of the third Invictus Games, held in Toronto. For Michelle Partington, who is competing in rowing and powerlifting, her time at the Games has seen her gain two personal bests and support from all over the world.
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"My focus now is to bring back the gold!"
Former Senior Aircraftsman Matt Neve will be representing the United Kingdom in the archery event later this week at the Invictus Games, but up until last year he'd never even held a bow and arrow. In this guest blog, Matt tells us all about his journey to Invictus.
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Speaking out about mental health
It's Mental Health Awareness Week all this week and while more and more RAF personnel and veterans are seeking support for mental health problems, many still suffer in silence.
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Air Commodore Paul Hughesdon: Fighting the Stigma
We're used to seeing veterans suffering the physical effects of their military service, but because mental health issues aren't always visible, it's extremely challenging to know which of our comrades may be suffering in silence.
