FELIX Fund – the bomb disposal charity – was set up in 2011 to provide welfare support and financial assistance to serving military, veterans and the family members of those involved with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and search duties across all three Services.
In its first years, the charity provided breaks for more than 100 EOD teams on their return from Afghanistan, which proved vital in reducing the risk of mental health issues.
Today, its ‘dashboard’ courses, which help individuals to recognise warning signs of stress and other mental health illnesses, are being rolled out to the partners of those serving.
The programmes allow develop participants’ ability to clear their mind and focus on life’s positives, leading to a more productive and stress-reduced work and home life.
Key to the course is a relaxed environment where individuals can focus on themselves. How many training programmes will get a group of soldiers doing yoga, breathing exercises and running around a room playing catch with a fluffy toy?
Felix Fund provides other support to families. Help has ranged from a £300 donation towards a wheelchair for the wife of a soldier who suffers from MS, to a family needing an adapted buggy for their son, Gabriel (pictured above).