Models for Heroes: Crafting Healing for Veterans

- Models for Heroes (M4H) is the first charitable organisation in the UK to support the use of model making hobbies within former and current Armed Forces and Emergency Service Personnel in the United Kingdom.
- Research into the use of crafts as an intervention activity report an increased level of happiness and social inclusion.
- The physical dexterity required to build the model kits challenges and promotes development of fine motor skill. There are many more anecdotal benefits explained on our Impact and Reports page.

Their Story

- In March 2017 model maker Malcolm Childs began volunteering his time, experience and personal hobby making resources to the Rolling Recovery Programme at Tedworth House Recovery Centre.
- Malcolm believed that the constant sacrifices made by complete strangers to protect his own young family needed to be repaid in which ever way he knew how. Being a keen model maker himself and witnessing the curative effects of the hobby. Malcolm convinced friends, family and fellow model makers around the world to help.
- In a few months his garage was full of donations and Malcolm began to send these models out to Armed Forces Organisations that witness the benefit of the hobby. Within the year the name “Models for Heroes” was chosen and the non for profit was incorporated using a charitable constitution and later became a Community Interest Company.

1. To support former and current Armed Forces & Emergency Service personnel within the UK and overseas territories.
2. To promote the use of model making as a therapeutic, meaningful activity.

*as written in our constitution.

- a fully constituted organisation registered as a CIC with Companies House No. 10855739.
- recognised as a company with “charitable purpose” by the His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs No. EW71468.
- governed by 7 Directors that meet bi monthly to maintain the organisation is effective, efficient and focused on its charitable aims in accordance with its governing documents.

- Community Interest Company (CIC) is a legal structure designed for companies that use their profits and assets for the public good. CICs must meet specific legal requirements to ensure their operations are aligned with community benefit. These include:
  1. 1. Community Purpose Test: A CIC must demonstrate that its activities primarily benefit a specific community or cause.
    2. Asset Lock: Assets and profits must be reinvested into the company or donated to community projects rather than distributed to shareholders.
    3. Accountability: CICs are regulated by the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies, ensuring transparency and adherence to their mission.

- M4H would not be able to function if it wasn’t for the kindness of strangers wanting to help and provide what they can. The majority of our model kits, tools and supplies are donated by the general public who regard model making to be therapeutic and curative.
- Individuals, clubs and companies raise money for us by taking part in large sponsor events and fundraising at model exhibitions. In accordance with our governing documents any funds raised go straight to the furthering of our aims.
- M4H is entirely ran by unpaid Volunteers. Copies of our latest Financial Reports can be found on Companies House , or summarised on our Impact page.

- In 2020 and 2023 M4H were funded £16,000 by the Community Fund of The National Lottery for the sole purpose of training 45 of our volunteers in Mental Health First Aid.
- In 2021, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic M4H ran the Online Model Making project in partnership with Walking With the Wounded and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Positive Pathways programme. M4H received £32,000 to rent premises, employ a warehouse assistant, provide model making materials in line with hobby goals. 150 veterans the chance to join online model making workshops ran by M4H Online Volunteers.
- In 2022 M4H received a grant of £5,000 from The Red Arrows Trust to supply further model making resources for those within the hobby requiring some extra assistance. Such as reaching a hobby goal or acquiring equipment that will enable access to the hobby.