On 19th May I attended a half-day event in Edinburgh with fourteen attendees, the staff of Luminate and one Zoom meeting attendee from Shetland. The round table discussion was chaired in an inimitable and stimulating style by the journalist and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch. The participants were a … [Read more...] about Paul’s blog: Ageing creatively for health and wellbeing
VHS launches its 2022-25 strategy
VHS's Chief Executive Claire Stevens writes: Today, 2nd May 2022, I am delighted to launch VHS's new Three Year Strategy 2022-25. Delayed for a year by the pandemic, our new strategy reaffirms the purpose we serve as national intermediary and network to Scotland's health charities and other … [Read more...] about VHS launches its 2022-25 strategy
Opportunity to build your own information support app
The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and Voluntary Health Scotland are seeking up to 6 third sector organisations to pilot use of the national Right Decision Service platform to deliver web and mobile apps. This is a key opportunity to deliver information in an easily accessible … [Read more...] about Opportunity to build your own information support app
A Chance to Change Primary Care and Tackle Health Inequalities
Published on 14th March 2022, a new Scottish Government report sets out 23 recommendations for actions to be taken to help primary care play a stronger role in reducing health inequalities in Scotland: Report of the Primary Care Health Inequalities Short Life Working Group. VHS is a member of the … [Read more...] about A Chance to Change Primary Care and Tackle Health Inequalities
Action urged on underpayment of children’s social care workers
VHS is urging MSPs to ask Ministers to address the pay gap between the adult social care workforce and the children’s social care workforce. An inequity has been created because children’s services have not been included in the recent pay uplift for social care workers, announced by the Scottish … [Read more...] about Action urged on underpayment of children’s social care workers
Micro-grants to communities boost Covid-19 vaccines and testing
Since April 2021 Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) has been distributing micro-grants on behalf of Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation to community organisations based across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Organisations can apply for up to £500 to carry out grassroots activities in … [Read more...] about Micro-grants to communities boost Covid-19 vaccines and testing
A National Care Service for Scotland: Consultation Response
In our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on creating a National Care Service, we have urged for meaningful engagement with the third and voluntary sector in the design, delivery and governance of the proposals. Social care goes far beyond delivering medicine and care, it should … [Read more...] about A National Care Service for Scotland: Consultation Response
Celebrate the covid heroes – but what about the other volunteers?
Here we share a thoughtful and thought provoking poem written by a volunteer who reflects on their experience of being 'surplus to requirement' during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are grateful to Volunteer Edinburgh for allowing us to publish the poem, and it is accompanied by a blog by Nick Woodhead, … [Read more...] about Celebrate the covid heroes – but what about the other volunteers?
Wendy’s blog: See Us make a difference together
The last 18 months have had a huge impact on communities across Scotland. While we as a nation are only just beginning to understand the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing we can see already is that the mental health of the nation has taken a real hit. Now, more than ever, it’s … [Read more...] about Wendy’s blog: See Us make a difference together
Kimberley’s blog: Looking beyond COVID
The pandemic has shone a light on the vast health inequalities which exist in Scotland. Looking beyond COVID there are a number of policy areas, including NHS recovery, which are already taking centre stage. Although the Scottish Parliament’s committees have officially formed, they are still in the … [Read more...] about Kimberley’s blog: Looking beyond COVID
