Barrhead veteran praises Health for Heroes initiative during Armed Forces Month
An army veteran from Barrhead has praised East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's Health for Heroes initiative, which offers free health and wellbeing support for veterans.
Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 13 June 2024 11:38
Willie McColl, 72, 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.
Speaking during Armed Forces Month, 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, including diabetes and hospital stays when suffering from pneumonia and sepsis. He was referred to East Renfrewshire's Live Active scheme, which supports members of the local community in becoming more active.
He explained: “I started speaking to the team and coming to the gym regularly, but stopped when we went into lockdown. I ballooned to 17.5 stones, so that's what got me into Live Active, where I learned about the Health for Heroes initiative.
“I am now around four stone lighter and one of the fittest in my classes. I attend 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 classes for at least half an hour and mainly cycle and use the rowing machine. It does me the world of good.”
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure was the first leisure trust in Scotland to launch the scheme in 2019, which gives armed forces, army, navy and air force veterans a free fitness membership. This membership includes a consultation with an exercise specialist from the Active Health and Wellbeing Team and access to the gym, fitness classes and swimming. If members are looking for social support too, they can attend the Live Active supervised gym sessions and the Vitality group exercise classes, where getting to know each other is encouraged.
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 and Gym Instructor Chris Vance co-ordinates the Health for Heroes scheme at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure. He 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 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.”
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure also hosts a veterans’ breakfasts to support the Health for Heroes members to engage with each other and offer local community support. The most recent breakfast at Barrhead Foundry had two guest speakers – Murdo Mackenzie, treasurer of the local brand of the British Legion and Councillor Campbell, Depute Provost and Veterans’ Champion. Murdo talked about the support and friendship offered at Mearns Bowling Club, where the British Legion meets every Friday. Councillor Campbell was pleased to hear more about the support being offered to local veterans and told the group she was delighted to be the local Veterans’ Champion.
East Renfrewshire Council Veterans Support Advisor Jane Duncan, who was a Warrant Officer and served in the army for 22 years, has witnessed the positive impact that the Health for Heroes service can have first-hand.
Jane added: “We owe so much to those who serve to protect our peace and freedom and this project is such a great example of ensuring that veterans have the best possible experience in the community.”
Find out more about East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure.
For more information on the British Legion meetings at Mearns Bowling Club, email: Murdomackenzie@hotmail.com
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Singer Peter Cox set for intimate show at Eastwood Theatre
Eastwood Theatre has announced an intimate show with singer-songwriter Peter Cox.
READ MORE
Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025
Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
Delve into the past with brand new heritage store and classes
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a brand new heritage store to support residents who want to research the area's past.
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour
Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Barrhead Beach Party for fitness fans
Fitness members made a splash at Barrhead Foundry's summer pool party!
READ MORE
M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction
M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Transformative Aurs Road project remains on track
A project to transform the route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by creating a safer road, an active travel route, and waterside promenade is on track to be delivered by Spring 2026.
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Pop up play town brings big imaginations to little ones
A new role-play experience is popping up in community venues across Greater Glasgow this month bringing pint-sized professions and plenty of pretend fun to preschoolers and their families.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish karate champion set for competitive season
Scottish karate champion Dylan Rush is looking forward to competing in series of international competitions over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile
itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Cooking up a treat as potential multi million pound boost for East Renfrewshire economy revealed
Businesses in East Renfrewshire are backing a fresh drive that could inject £5m-a-year more into the region's economy.
READ MORE
Eastwood Park venues celebrate Doors Open Festival
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access and guided tours as part of Scotland’s Doors Open Day festival!
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Eastwood Park Theatre announces Autumn 2025 programme
Featuring Barbara Dickson, Gordon Strachan, Mhairi Black, Tam Cowan, Kerry Ellis and more...
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links