KEITH Brown, Minister for Housing and Transport today visited local charity Thistle Foundation to announce £10,000 of funding to support its services for veterans.
The Scottish Government Scottish Veterans Fund funding will support Thistle Foundation’s award-winning Lifestyle Management Course for Veterans.
Thistle Foundation, a long-established Scottish charity and voluntary organisation, which supports people with disabilities and health conditions to lead full lives, is based in Craigmillar. The Lifestyle Management Course for Veterans provides support, coaching and skills to make the transition from military life.
Diana Noel-Paton, Chief Executive of Thistle Foundation commented: “We are delighted to welcome the minister and to receive this funding. We started as a charity supporting wounded soldiers after World War II, so it’s fantastic that our current work with veterans not only gives us a chance to link back to our roots, but also is being recognised as relevant and much needed.”
Mr Brown met Ross Swinton and Alex Lamont, two veterans who have completed Thistle’s Lifestyle Management Course. Alex, who served in Northern Ireland and The Gulf War, said “I don’t know where I’d be without Thistle Foundation. There are a lot of former service personnel out there needing help and I just hope more of them can get to hear about this course ‘cos it’s changed my life!”
Mr Brown said: “I am delighted to see how the support Thistle Foundation is offering has changed the lives of ex-service men and women. Our veterans have served our country and it is right and fitting that we support them when they retire from active service.
“Programmes like the Lifestyle Management Course provide a crucial service helping people readjust to their new lives. The professionalism, dedication and continued assistance is second to none at Thistle Foundation and through donations and funding from the Scottish Government Scottish Veterans Fund, I am delighted that their work will continue to support Scottish veterans.”
