Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Personalised Support for Health and Wellbeing
Thistle Foundation has been dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions since 1944. Founded on the principles of inclusion and community integration, we prioritise person-centred support that empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Our approach focuses on individual needs rather than conditions, offering tailored services across Scotland. With a team of over 400 Personal Assistants and Wellbeing Practitioners, we provide Supported Living, Health and Wellbeing programmes, and innovative training through Thistle Learning. Our commitment to transformative care is rooted in 80 years of experience, combining historical expertise with modern, evidence-based practices. We specialise in self-management support, physical activity programmes, and mental health advocacy, particularly for those affected by Long COVID.As a charity, we rely on donations and partnerships to maintain accessibility to our services. Our impact spans Edinburgh, the Lothians, and Fife, where we combine local knowledge with national reach. Through initiatives like the Lifestyle Management Course and adaptive bike programmes, we address both physical and emotional wellbeing. Our leadership in social care reform and collaboration with Scottish Government bodies underscores our sector authority. We maintain transparency through annual reports and uphold ethical standards in all operations, ensuring trustworthiness in our community engagements.
Services
Supported Living
Health and Wellbeing
Lifestyle Management Course
Physical Activity Support
Thistle Learning Training
Details
- Year established: 1944
Highlights and features
- We offer 80 years of specialist experience in disability support
- Our person-centred approach focuses on individual aspirations
- We operate across Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife with local expertise
- We provide free wellbeing coaching and lifestyle management courses
- Our team includes 400+ trained support professionals
What people say
Life-changing support
Improved mental wellbeing
Personalised approach
Helped regain independence
Compassionate team
Services
Supported Living
We provide tailored support for individuals with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. Our Personal Assistants offer assistance with daily activities, personal care, and community engagement. This service enables over 400 people across Edinburgh, Lothians, and Fife to maintain their autonomy while receiving professional support.
Health and Wellbeing
Our specialist teams deliver holistic support for people with long-term health conditions. Services include one-to-one coaching, group sessions, and physical activity programmes. We help individuals develop self-management strategies to improve their quality of life and mental wellbeing across Scotland.
Lifestyle Management Course
This free 10-week programme helps adults manage long-term health conditions through group sessions. Participants learn coping strategies, receive physical activity guidance, and benefit from peer support. The course focuses on building confidence and practical skills for daily life challenges.
Physical Activity Support
We offer accessible physical activity programmes tailored to individual capabilities. Our adaptive bike initiative and structured exercise sessions promote physical health while fostering social connections. These activities are designed to accommodate various mobility requirements across our service areas.
Thistle Learning Training
Our training division provides professional development for healthcare practitioners across Scotland. We deliver customised courses on person-centred care, solution-focused practices, and self-management support. Partnering with NHS boards and social care organisations, we enhance service delivery standards nationwide.
People
Julie Gardner
Trainer
With 20 years in the voluntary sector, Julie specialises in engaging people to improve support services. She previously worked with VOCAL to develop carer support systems and focuses on personal outcomes in her training programmes.
Linsay Graham
Training Consultant
A former mental health nurse, Linsay specialises in solution-focused practice. She brings extensive experience in professional development and has trained practitioners across Scotland in person-centred approaches.
Ross Grieve
Training Lead
Leading external training, Ross combines physiotherapy expertise with rehabilitation experience. He develops training programmes that bridge clinical knowledge with practical self-management support strategies for health professionals.
Steve Coulson
Learning Manager
With 20 years in social work, Steve specialises in person-centred planning. He facilitates training programmes and contributes to staff development initiatives, drawing on his extensive experience in community care services.
Heather Simmons
Academy Lead
Bringing 30 years of social care experience, Heather oversees training programmes. Her background includes leadership roles in learning and culture, with a focus on family-centred support systems and service improvement.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We provide support across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, with both in-person and remote service options available.
Are your services free?
All our support services are provided free of charge, funded through charitable donations and grants.
How can I access support?
You can self-refer by email or phone, or ask a healthcare professional to make a referral to our team.
What conditions do you support?
We support people with all types of long-term health conditions, disabilities, and those affected by Long COVID.
Do you offer family support?
Yes, we provide guidance for families and carers through our support programmes and family forum initiatives.
How is support tailored?
Our Thistle Approach creates individualised support plans focused on personal goals rather than medical diagnoses.
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