Health for Heroes case study

Willie McColl, 72, an Army Veteran from Barrhead, has praised the Health for Heroes initiative and its wellbeing support for veterans.

Willie served for 23 years, mainly in the Territorial Army, spent time in Canada and volunteered for the Gulf War in 1990. When he initially returned from service, he took up a variety of roles for Glasgow City Council, sweeping the streets, cleaning toilets for football games, driving heavy goods vehicles and working in an office, before taking early retirement due to health issues.

Willie said:
"When you finish, you miss it. Transitioning back into the 'normal' world is one of the most difficult things. When I first came back, I didn't belong anywhere."

Willie endured a number of health issues over the years and was referred to East Renfrewshire's Live Active GP Referral scheme, which is a partnership between East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and supports people to become more active. From Live Active, Willie was introduced to Health for Heroes for further support.

"I am now around four stones lighter and one of the fittest in my classes. I attend Vitality class twice a week and am also a volunteer assistant, so I support the classes by bringing down the tea, coffee and water and organising the chairs.

I've found a wee role for myself and it gives me something to do. I'm also a member of a book club at Barrhead Foundry library. It's a release for me. I head to the gym after the Vitality class for at least half an hour and mainly cycle and use the rowing machine. It does me the world of good."

Willie added:
"Health for Heroes is important. Would I have been here without it? I don't know. I was getting into being an old man. Barrhead Foundry is a good place. I spend a lot of time here now."

Active Health and Wellbeing Team member Chris Vance co-ordinates the Health for Heroes scheme at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure.

Chris said:
"The Health for Heroes initiative is designed for ex-service men and women who need that extra bit of support due to mental and physical health conditions. The scheme has almost doubled in the last 18 months. We now have almost 50 members and our whole team supports them in their local community."

"The veterans have access to all of our facilities, from the gym and swimming pools to fitness and Live Active classes. It's good that they have someone they can come and speak to and we're often a listening ear, as well as supporting their physical wellbeing. Many of the veterans come regularly - some most days, others once or twice a week."

"Their stories are inspiring. They have been through a lot of tough times and challenges and some are still going through treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They're doing really well and I'm always so impressed at how hard they work."