7 RAF Police Air Mobility Security Squadron are challenging their personnel to throw away the stigma and to speak up about mental health at their latest charity event.
The event held at RAF Brize Norton, saw personnel from across the Squadron pass a rugby ball for 24-hours to raise awareness and funds for Rugby for Heroes, LooseHeadz, Winston’s Wish and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
"The challenge itself maybe pretty simple but the idea behind it is to get our personnel communicating to tackle the stigma around mental health."
Squadron Leader Kerslake
Officer Commanding 7 RAF Police Air Mobility Security Squadron
Rugby for Heroes ambassador and retired professional England and London Irish Rugby player, Delon Armitage attended the event to take part in the challenge.
"Being part of the event was really humbling. It was brilliant to talk to the team about the importance of normalising conversations around mental health."
Delon Armitage
Rugby for Heroes Ambassador
"The work that these charities conduct resonated with us as a team, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England which is why we chose to support Rugby for Heroes and LooseHeadz. We felt it was important to support Scotty’s Little Soldiers and Winston’s Wish, knowing they would be there for our children in their darkest days should the worst happen to us on duty."
7 RAF Police Air Mobility Security Squadron Event Committee
The event was started by the newly appointment Force Commander, Air Commodore Thompson, during a visit to 4 Force Protection Wing.
"As Air and Space Power Force Protection specialists, who often work in high threat and dynamic environments, physical and mental resilience is a critical focus for us. Sport is an incredible means for us to promote teamwork, communication and support for our people and this event showcases the power of sport in our positive support culture."
Air Commodore Thompson
Force Commander
The visit provided Air Commodore Thompson and the Deputy Force Commander and Provost Marshal, Group Captain Foster-Jones an opportunity to engage with personnel from 7 RAF Police Air Mobility Squadron, Battle Management and Space Squadron, 2 RAF Regiment Squadron and Reservists from 2624 Squadron. It is the role of 4 Force Protection Wing, as specialists in Air and Space Power Force Protection, to support the Air Mobility Force worldwide and fulfil operational commitments in support of the Permanent Joint Headquarters’ deployed operations.
