Thistle Foundation

Please, click the link below to donate, so that this Christmas you could be the reason someone living with a long-term health condition or disability reconnects with what matters most to them, like Warren did. 💜

www.thistle.org.uk/donate

This Christmas, Warren, who came to Thistle for support and now works within our Centre of Wellbeing, is kindly sharing his story.

At Thistle we honour veterans like Jim and reflect on the strength of courage of all who have served in the armed forces, past and present, and the sacrifice they made to shape the world we experience today. [3/3]

"I feel very proud, doing my part for the country, and always remember all the men and women who did their bit and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Lest We Forget.” – Jim, veteran who has been supported by Thistle. [2/3]

“Armistice day for me is very important as I honour friends and family who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

I have a long line in family members who have served in all three services and always take this time to remember them and the service they gave the country... [1/3]

👏 Congratulations to all who just graduated from Thistle Academy: our paid, six-week course for learning and developing skills in person-centred support!

We value working alongside such reflective colleagues who are passionate about defending human rights and supporting people to live good lives.💜

Congratulations to the Craigmillar Art Group, whose exhibition at Artwalk Porty '25 was a huge success!

Across two weekends in September, the group welcomed 588 visitors and sold an impressive 27 pieces of art, including a lovely piece from Stuart🎨👏

Read the full open letter, here: www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/news/op...

@ccpscotland.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social

2) A medium-term fully-funded recovery plan for the sector, to address decades of underinvestment

3) Multi-year funding agreements adjusted for inflation, to ensure stability for organisations

4) A firm commitment to fully include the sector in planning and decision-making

But, fulfilling that ambition requires collaboration and investment. It’s why we support the asks made of our government in the letter:

1) An immediate, substantial cash injection in the upcoming Spending Review, including full cost recovery for employer National Insurance increases

The Scottish Government has recently restated their commitment to change based on the Christie principles – empowerment, integration, prevention and efficiency. It’s what we’ve been waiting for since the Christie Review was published in 2011.

The person-centred, inclusive and rights-based way in which we work, that supports people to live good lives, to be friends and family members, to work and volunteer, to be part of their community and make a contribution to our society.

The letter outlined the current financial challenges faced by the sector and called for greater investment and collaboration.

It was a difficult read, but it was emotive and powerful highlighting to the people of Scotland the scale and breadth of what we do across the social care sector.

Yesterday, @heraldscotland.bsky.social on Sunday published an open letter to First Minster, @johnswinney.bsky.social, that was signed by 240 non-profit health and social care organisations, including Thistle.

Walker's Haute Route Chamonix to Zermatt - Connecting Craigmillar Help Iain O'Byrne raise money to support The Thistle Foundation

👏 Let’s cheer Iain on as he climbs mountains while supporting our community at the same time.

😊 You can donate or learn more via this link: www.justgiving.com/page/whr2025...

🚶‍♂️ A massive thank you to Iain, who’s spending two weeks hiking across the Alps to raise funds for Thistle’s own Connecting Craigmillar! 💜

Over the next 10–14 days, he’ll cross alpine landscapes, high mountain passes, and rocky terrain.

Iain also turns 40 tomorrow - what a way to celebrate! 🎉

👟 Last year was amazing, and this year will be even better!

Join Team Thistle at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 14 Sept!

Walk with us to support the wellbeing of people in Scotland living with disabilities and long-term health conditions 💜

Spots go fast, so sign up now!: shorturl.at/GgsyB

"healthier and more confident in myself.”

👏👏👏

Kevin’s experience is a reminder that when people are supported to make their own choices centred on what matters most to them, it can make a meaningful and lasting difference to everyday wellbeing.😊 [3/3]

"...hour straight. This feels great as I had been in bed for a long time before due to an operation I had.

“Going along has been making me feel not just physically better, but it’s been making me feel really mentally well, too. I like that I can go whenever I want and that I’m feeling... [2/3]

🌱 Kevin recently decided to return to Thistle Gym after sharing with his team that he wanted to get back into fitness, which had been part of his routine before Covid. Read his story below💜

“Since returning, I’ve been using the hand cycling machine, which the other day I used for an... [1/3]

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Really Big Conversation last week!

Organised by the Thistle community for the community, it was a day to connect, share ideas, and shape Thistle’s future with inspiring speakers and group discussions.

We appreciate all who made this event so special 💜