Models for Heroes

We all know how relaxing our hobbies can be (apart from those times that the smallest part of the kit pings off the sprue and gets lost in the carpet till you stand on it in your bare feet a week later!). We all know how time goes by when building and painting a kit you really like and that sense of satisfaction when it is completed. The moment you put your pride and joy on the gaming table and then promptly fail all the To Hit rolls or Armour Saves - well that's another story ...

Models for Heroes recognised the benefits of this and decided to take that approach to support serving and ex-members of the armed forces and emergency services who are experiencing mental health issues. Models for Heroes was founded by Malcolm Childs and began its work in January 2017, we'll let Models for Heroes sum up their work:

"Quickly Malcolm learnt that model making is used as part of occupational therapy and compliments clinical treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression and also brain and spinal injuries. The act of following instructions and relaxing quietly can produce a meditative state. It encourages focus, patience, coping mechanisms and delicate motor skills. The model itself may evoke positive past memories or the hobby may have been practiced in childhood. Strategies for recognising memories and the feelings related to them become an important skill in managing PTSD.

Not only that, the hobby has a strong, well organised social aspect with many model clubs, online forums, Facebook groups and model shows all open to anyone with an interest in scale modelling. One injured veteran came to us to tell of how he feared walking into Asda to do shopping but a packed Model Show doesn't bother him as he knows everyone there is like-minded."

Models for Heroes works with a wide range of organisations, they have summed it up as:

"Models for Heroes support Help For Heroes, Combat Stress, Royal British Legion, the DNRC and NHS MoD wards, plus 30+ other localised charities and organisations. Malcolm, along with 100+ precious enthusiastic volunteers, teach basic model making . Donations we receive will go partly to providing the best materials required for this course and partly to sending kits and materials out to centres that run their own modelling sessions. Plus donations pay for all the necessary but boring admin.

Since January 2017 we have received 1,000's of kits and help approximately 400 veterans per month get through their day a little easier."

This is a topic that is very close to our hearts, not just because it involves our great hobby but for those it supports. Grim Dice is proud to be supporting Models for Heroes and we plan to expand our offer of support across this year. As a start off you can support by offering a donation, whether you shop instore or online, by adding the Models for Heroes item to your shopping cart. This will donate £1 to them and 100% of your donation will go to Models for Heroes. If you want to donate more then simply increase the item quantity.

Thank you for listening and supporting

https://www.modelsforheroes.org.uk/

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