Support for veterans
Supporting ex-service personnel and their families with long term health conditions and life challenges since 1944.
Supporting Veterans Since 1944:
Thistle Foundation has a rich history of supporting veterans.
We offer person centered health and wellbeing support to veterans and their families, living with long-term health conditions, disability and challenging life circumstances (poverty, trauma, isolation/loneliness). It is delivered through a hybrid model of in-person and remote support, and is available to all veterans across Scotland, helping them to live their best life.
Personalised Support:
We offer 1:1 self-management support tailored to your unique needs. Our focus is on you as an individual, emphasising your strengths, skills, and tools for managing your wellbeing effectively.
Lifestyle Management Course:
This course is designed to facilitate meaningful changes in various aspects of your life. It incorporates peer support and fostering connections with fellow veterans.
Connection to Specialist Supports:
We have strong connections with other veterans' support organisations. If necessary, we can refer you to specialised services such as housing, benefits guidance, or specialist mental health support.
Physical Activity:
For veterans in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, we provide supported physical activity at the Thistle Gym in our Centre of Wellbeing, promoting physical wellbeing and social interaction.
We are here for you.
We offer face to face and remote wellbeing services for ex-service personnel and their families.
Lifestyle Management Course
Week 1 Getting started
Week 2 Sleep
Week 3 The effects of stress and the benefits of relaxation
Week 4 Pacing and energy management
Week 5 Getting active and motivated
Week 6 Pacing and prioritising what’s important
Week 7 Communication skills
Week 8 The mind-body connection
Week 9 Preventing, minimising and recovering from relapse
Week 10 Reflection and forward planning
Throughout there is a focus on reflecting on “what’s been better” and “how have you coped” to raise people’s awareness of their personal skills to make changes, cope and manage difficult life circumstances.
Follow this link for more information about the course.
Hear from veterans we have supported
“While I was on the course, my family shared that they saw a difference in me. Before, I was in the habit of thinking negatively: Thistle gave me different ways of looking at things and dealing with things that I’d never thought of before. ”
“Learning how to manage my condition and engage with the resources they had boosted my self-esteem massively. Being there with other Veterans as well was so helpful, it reminded me that I’m not going through this by myself.”
Get in touch today.
Contact the Thistle Foundation to access personalised support and explore our services. Let us guide you on your journey to well-being, resilience, and independence.
Self-refer, or ask someone who supports you to refer you, by emailing referrals@thistle.org.uk.
If you choose to email, please state that this is a veterans referral so that you are directed to our veterans practitioner.
Visit Us
Centre of Wellbeing, 13 Queen's Walk, Edinburgh EH16 4EA
Hours
Monday–Friday
9am–5pm
Phone
0131 661 3366