News
Activity Centre For Veterans Now Open
Thu 15th March 2018
Rangers Charity Foundation partner Erskine has officially opened a new activity centre for veterans in Bishopton.
The Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre is a completely new initiative set up by the charity to give veterans a place to socialise together; learn and develop new skills; enjoy a variety of activities as well as access support services.
The Rangers Charity Foundation donated £5,000 to the charity for the centre this season as part of our Armed Forces Partnership.
The money is being used by Erskine to fund items such as arts and crafts materials, cookery equipment and utensils, basic exercise equipment, DVDs and computer software.
Although only officially opened this week by SAS veteran and star of TV programme: SAS – Who Dares Wins, Colin Maclachlan, the centre has been up and running since mid-January.
A total of 35 veterans have used the facility to date with 70% being British Army veterans; 20% RAF and 10% Royal Navy.
Activity Centre Manager, Debs Dickson said: “We are creating something very special here on the Erskine Estate. I have watched veteran’s progress immensely in the short period of time we have had with them. I strongly believe the secret is ensuring the Activities Centre is developed by participants for participants, to ensure we are creating a hub with veterans at its heart.”
Former chef with the Army, Steven Wyllie, has been a regular at the centre since it opened. Like many people who suffer from PTSD, Steven finds it impossible to use public transport and for several years was confined to the house. He said: “I am no longer socially isolated, I feel comfortable in the centre amongst the ex-military family. Being picked up at my front door and dropped off really helps otherwise I would be unable to attend. I have enjoyed having access to a computer and researching my family tree.”
Any veteran wishing to find out more about the Reid Macewen Activity Centre on the Erskine Estate can either drop in any day Monday – Friday between 9.30am & 3.30pm or call Debs on 0141 814 4534. Transport is available from Paisley; Greenock; Clydebank; Dumbarton and surrounding areas depending on demand. A cooked lunch is available every day for £2.
