A Veterans' Foundation grant has provided Scottish veterans of all shapes and sizes with the opportunity to get into top shape.
The Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre ('ERMAC') now has a specially designed, fully equipped and accessible gym for amputees and those with physical disabilities, all courtesy of Veterans' Foundation funding.
Based in the Veterans Village in Bishopton, the first class equipment, purchased with the extremely generous donation of £25,761, includes squat and mobility stations, punch bag, skiing, rowing and cardio equipment, weights and selection of medicine and slam balls.
"The ERMAC gym has been the final piece of the puzzle in developing the Activity Centre," said Activities Centre Manager, Debs Dickson.
"We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer our veterans the opportunity to improve their physical and mental wellbeing whilst in a safe space."
As with all projects at the Centre, the request for the gym came directly from the members. Many of them had experienced challenges when making use of public facilities, which do not often cater for amputees or physical disabilities, while anyone suffering with PTSD can often find busy public environments overwhelming.
The support from the Veterans’ Foundation, those who have donated and the players of the Veterans' Lottery, has facilitated the transformation of a previously unused space within the Centre into a bespoke gym.
The funding will also pay for tuition, servicing and maintenance for a three-year period.
"The diversity of the project is reflected in the age groups that have already been using the equipment with our youngest being 34 and our oldest 84, our trainers have the skillset to match individual needs to specific training plans," added Debs.
Use of the gym and the development of individual performance programmes by instructors Alistair Lamb and Annie Earley, will have a hugely significant impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of veterans, spouses and carers within the community.
Craig Lynes of Clydebuilt Fitness said: “When we were approached to quote for creating a gym with adaptable equipment we very excited to become involved in such an innovative project."
"The gym contains the same equipment as found in any other gym except the Erskine gym caters for disabilities and allows members to exercise in safety with their fellow veterans."
To find out more about the Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre, click here:
https://www.erskine.org.uk/get-support/reid-macewen-activities-centre
And to play the Veterans' Lottery to support many more life-changing charity projects just like this one, while being in with a chance to win £50,000 every month, click here:
