"The Group Breaks have made me feel part of society again"

RAF veteran Alice Judge attended the Hayling Island Group Breaks in June 2023, an initiative set up by the RAF Benevolent Fund to help prevent social isolation and improve the mental health of veterans. We spoke to Alice about the difficulties she has been facing and how the Fund has been there to support those challenges. 

Alice was one of 22 members of the RAF Family who attended the Hayling Island Group Breaks in June. 
The RAF Benevolent Fund set up Group Breaks for RAF veterans and their partners, providing a safe and fun environment for RAF veterans to improve their mental and physical health, tackle loneliness, and create and strengthen important relationships.

Speaking to Alice about her experience of the Breaks, she said: "It's lovely to have a day out by the sea and to feel part of society again. When you’re indoors day after day as I am, it can become soul-destroying."

Alice, whose career spanned from serving in the Royal Observer Corps, to working as a secretary for the RAF Association, has been supported by the Fund in her retirement. 

Alice said: "The Fund has been absolutely superb; I cannot praise them enough. They have been there for me when I have been at my lowest and helped to pick up the pieces.

"I've been in hospital recently, which came as a little bit of a shock, but now that I've recovered from that, I was able to take part and enjoy this break; it helps you to realise there's a lot more to life than worrying about your illness."

She continued: "When you are part of the forces, it’s like one big family – we do really look out for each other. So, meeting up, even if you haven’t met before, you feel like you're not a stranger in the camp."

The Fund has also supported Alice with her mobility difficulties, providing a wheelchair to make life more accessible and comfortable for her at home and outdoors.

Alice said: "The wheelchair has been a godsend because it’s supportive, lightweight, and easy to fold up and get into a car. I am housebound unless somebody comes and wheels me out of the out of the flat. 

"I have a carer who visits morning and nights to help me with my mobility. But otherwise, I'm really stranded. I can't get out at all, whether it's winter or summer. So having a break away like this is amazing."

Alice recognised the impact of the support for her and others in similar circumstances, saying: "I would just like to thank the Fund and my Community Engagement Worker Lisa, from the bottom of my heart, for all you do for veterans. Lisa has been wonderful and so helpful in supporting me. There's nothing that she couldn't have done if she was my sister. And I would thank the Fund for having someone like her available to help people in need."

If you or someone else is in need of support, please fill in the form to request help from the Fund.