1. Presentation to: Scottish Government TITLE 20 December 2010

2. Thistle Foundation: Who are we? Founded in 1944 to provide housing, medical & rehab support to allow 100 WW II veterans to live with their families in Edinburgh. We now support people with long term conditions across the central belt of Scotland to live full lives in their home communities by providing Health & Wellbeing Services. This can be through ongoing care or short term support.

3. Health and Wellbeing service Supported self-management for anyone with a longterm health problem Open door policy Specific projects

4. The way in which we work with people Meet with everyone on a one to one basis for an initial consultation Strengths based approach that focuses on peoples’ skills and resources Aims to identify what matters to the person from the beginning (Personal Outcomes)

5. The way in which we work with people We don’t judge what issue should be tackled first or prescribe the same support for everyone. We don’t have exclusion criteria We do have a persistent focus on change – even small change

6. Courses Supported exercise One to one support Volunteering Thistle Options

7. Lifestyle Management courses Ten week self management courses Safe environment for each individual to explore self management Interactive Flexible format Focus on small changes

8. Physical activity options Community gym Approx 170 Active gym members Offer a range of low level exercise options Off site exercise options

9. Volunteers 25 active volunteers Strong commitment A variety of roles Support and training Great successes

10. Case studies

11. Brian’s Story 1 Brian joined the Marines at the age of 18. He served 9 years and came out in 1982. He then became a Close Protection Officer travelling between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. After 2 years contract ended. Brian then joined the Security Group News International in London, and soon was promoted to Site Inspector.

12. Brian’s Story 2 Brian then lost his job due to “self medicating” with alcohol. PTSD at this point had not been diagnosed. Brian said ‘he did not understand his own mental state’. A tenacious character, Brian then enrolled with Plater College in London and obtained a diploma in legal studies which led to further academic studies.

13. Brian’s Story 3 Brian then dropped out of university. Also during this period his fiancee passed away. He moved to London and after a short time found himself drinking heavily and also found himself homeless. Eventually in 2000 a social worker supported Brian to get help with his mental health and to an understanding of a diagnosis of PTSD. Only then Brian was awarded a well deserved War Pension and began to get the treatment and support he deserved.

14. Brian’s Story 4 Brian managed to maintain his own tenancy, in Surrey, for 5 years despite the fact he was still abusing alcohol. Veterans’ Aid then suggested a move to Scotland for a fresh start. Brian is currently a resident in Whitefoord House.

15. Brian’s Story 5 Brian had been in Whitefoord for only a few weeks when he ‘stumbled’ upon the Veterans’ Lifestyle Management course. Brian said: “I was extremely nervous and curious, but as soon as I sat down I felt a great deal of acceptance and understanding, from both the facilitators and other course participants.

16. Brian’s Story 6 Brian attended the course for 10 weeks. Brian’s reflection: “It made me much calmer. I enjoyed meeting like minded people. I realised very quickly that you put in what you want out of it! I recognised for the first time it was about walking the walk not talkin’ the talk!”

17. Brian’s outcome! During the course he recognised that his walking stick was a “psychological crutch.” He spoke to his GP who agreed that he could “ditch the stick!” Brian now walks upright and proud and is determined to: “exploit all possible opportunities that lead him to be able to support other veterans”

18. Vicky’s story Vicky came to the Thistle in 2008 – having struggled with post natal depression after the birth of her son Supported by GP and local mental health service she started to use the Thistle gym In 2009 she attended two LMCs and then became a Thistle volunteer

19. Over the last five years She has lost weight and increased her fitness Been a committed volunteer Become a positive role model for her family Grown in confidence to take on new challenges