Big hearted staff from First Scotland East have donated £1000 of travel vouchers to help people in Stirling and Alloa step aboard to a better quality of life.

The offer from First Bus Group will assist participants with travel costs as they embark on the THRIVE to Keep Well programme which supports adults who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health and wellbeing challenges.

The programme has been developed by NHS Forth Valley in partnership with Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils. Previous participants have reported that THRIVE to Keep Well helped improve their confidence, self esteem, motivation and ability to cope in stressful situations.

Two groups for men and three groups for women will be starting in Stirling and Alloa in August 2019. Participants learn about stress, anxiety and how to make positive changes through a variety of group, relaxation and creative activities as well as health, safety and community awareness sessions.

THRIVE to Keep Well Programme Co-ordinator, Lindsay Abner, said: “This support is fantastic as it will help remove financial barriers for participants, especially those from more rural areas. I’d like to thank Scott Ferguson from First Bus for his hard work in organising this support which will help participants to access the programme and make positive changes to their lives.”

First Scotland East, Staff Manager for Bannockburn Depot, Scott Ferguson, added: “The whole First Bus Bannockburn team are delighted to support such a worthy local cause in the communities we serve by offering some free travel. Hopefully it can make life that little bit easier for the participants as they continue to engage with the programme.”

For more information on the THRIVE to Keep Well Programme, contact Lindsay Abner on thrive@stirling.gov.uk