Activity centre reopens

A £25,000 donation has helped a veterans charity open its activities centre, after a prolonged period of closure due to the pandemic.

Erskine’s activities centre provides support services, social opportunities and a range of classes to veterans including art, Tai Chi, woodwork and IT, all at no cost to its members.

The centre closed its doors in March 2020, and adapted to a remote service. The majority of classes were held over Zoom along with time to chat and socialise remotely.

One of the key purposes of the centre was to combat loneliness and isolation, and the need for this service has never been more prevalent.

The donation came from the Scottish Governments’ Communities Recovery Fund.

Debs Jackson, activities centre manager, said: “With restrictions lifting, it’s time to start welcoming our veterans back on site.

“In reopening the centre, all possible measures have been considered to ensure the safety of the members as the absolute priority.

“We’re delighted to get the guys back on site, it’s been a tough time for everyone. “The money from the Communities Recovery Fund means that we have taken every precaution possible, making the transition back to on-site service delivery, smooth and safe for the members and staff.”