We are pleased to be able to announce a brand new BMFA Affiliated Club to the Area.
It is called Flying Through Mental Health and was set up by Jamie Wallis and Daniel Harvey in April 2026. It is a Community Interest Company and is run by Jamie and Daniel to promote education and practical experience of RC model flying.
Their Facebook page can be found here
The SE BMFA met Jamie and Daniel at the Southern Model Show on 6th September 26 where they were taking part in the demonstration flying at the 2-day event.
The following is written by Jamie and Daniel —
Flying Through Mental Health at the Southern Model Show 2026
Over the weekend of 5 and 6 September 2026, Flying Through Mental Health CIC was proud to be invited to participate in the Southern Model Show at Headcorn Aerodrome.
We attended with a team of 14 representing Flying Through Mental Health, including four display pilots, Jamie Wallis, Daniel Lee, Daniel Harvey and nine year old Leonard.
One of the highlights of the entire weekend was Leonard. Having been trained by me from zero flying experience to flying solo in just five weeks, at only nine years old Leonard became the youngest display pilot at the 2026 Southern Model Show and the youngest display pilot in the event’s 20 year history.
Leo stole the hearts and minds of the organisers and thousands of spectators. His achievement demonstrated better than words ever could what structured flight training, encouragement, opportunity and belief in someone’s ability can achieve.
Flying Through Mental Health flew one air display on Saturday. Following the fantastic reception we received, the organisers generously provided us with two air display slots on Sunday. The final display of the weekend was particularly special, flown by just Leo and me together in front of thousands of spectators.
But our weekend was about much more than flying aircraft.
Our mission was mental health awareness. We wanted to demonstrate how radio controlled flying and structured flight training can be used within the community to build confidence, develop new skills, create friendships and give people experiencing challenges something positive to work towards.
Throughout the weekend, Flying Through Mental Health engaged with spectators, pilots, traders, manufacturers and organisations about our mission and the impact our organisation is already having in helping people overcome challenges.
Those conversations have also produced tangible results. We can now confirm sponsorship and partnership agreements with FrSky and Flying Finn RC, with further partnerships and opportunities arising from the weekend still to be confirmed.
Screenshot
We went to the Southern Model Show wanting people to understand that model flying can be far more than a hobby. It can bring people together, give someone purpose, provide a pathway from complete beginner to genuine achievement and create a supportive community around people who may be struggling with their mental health or other issues.
Fourteen team members. Three air displays. A nine year old progressing from zero experience to solo in five weeks and becoming the youngest display pilot in the Southern Model Show’s 20 year history. New sponsors and partners. Thousands of spectators seeing first hand what Flying Through Mental Health stands for.
Our mission for the weekend was accomplished.
A massive thank you to the organisers of the Southern Model Show, the British Model Flying Association, FrSky, Flying Finn RC, our entire team and the thousands of spectators who supported us throughout an unforgettable weekend.