大象传媒

Chris (59) and Willie (49) are friends and army veterans who met at The Thistle Centre three years ago. Both live in Edinburgh. Willie is twice-divorced and has three grown-up daughters and five grandchildren. Chris is married and has three sons. The pair crossed paths after attending Lifestyle Management classes at the Thistle. The classes came at a valuable point in both of their lives. Willie was out of work due to illness. He'd been diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and syncopy, meaning he occasionally blacks out with no warning. Prior to that, he'd spent 6 years in the army followed by over 30 years working in security firms. His illness meant he had to quit work and give up driving, which put a big dent in his finances and personal freedom. After two years of trying to find work, he visited the local volunteering centre who sent him on to the Thistle. Chris's concerns are more mental than physical. He's battled severe depression for a number of years. He first remembers attempting to take his life when he was just 14. He's struggled to hold on to jobs or relationships. He worked in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary before spending a year in the Territorial Army. His depression is episodic and comes on suddenly and severely. It leaves him incapacitated, but he approaches these instances differently since starting at the Thistle. He tries to 'own' his condition now, rather than the other way around. Chris still retreats into himself now and again, but Willie knows the signs and badgers him until he comes around. They're both now engaged in trying to create a Veterans Council in Edinburgh to provide an umbrella organisation for veteran services, support and personal development opportunities.

Recorded on the tour on the 28th July, 2016 at The Thistle Foundation in Edinburgh, a health and well-being charity which supports people with long-term conditions.