The Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities met on 7th December 2017 to discuss culture, arts and health. Read the Minutes During 2017 and 2018 the Scottish Government is working on Developing A Culture Strategy for Scotland. As Secretariat to the CPG, VHS organised this particular CPG … [Read more...] about CPG on Health Inequalities: Culture and Health 7th December 2017
Health, human rights and the EU Withdrawal Bill
There are a number of opportunities right now for third sector organisations to engage with the EU Withdrawal Bill. Over 52 third sector organisations, including VHS, are urging MPs to vote for Amendment NC44 to the Bill. They believe the amendment is necessary to safeguard the interests of … [Read more...] about Health, human rights and the EU Withdrawal Bill
The interplanetary connectedness of public health
This year's Faculty of Public Health Scottish Conference took place over 2nd and 3rd November in Aviemore. It set out to emphasise that health is a basic human right, not a privilege. VHS's Claire Stevens joined forces with Ann Conacher from the Scottish Public Health Nework (ScotPHN) to present a … [Read more...] about The interplanetary connectedness of public health
Sport Matters
In forming the Observatory for Sport in Scotland (OSS) its founders wanted to create a charity that is all about the F word – Friendship. Sport can breed friendship. From playgrounds to parks, through school into work, across Scotland’s communities and beyond. As we intersect this planet with … [Read more...] about Sport Matters
Third sector voices on the Public Health Oversight Board
Plans are underway to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitments to agree national public health priorities, establish a new national public health body and develop local joint public health partnerships. A strategic Public Health Oversight Board (PHOB) has been established (jointly chaired by … [Read more...] about Third sector voices on the Public Health Oversight Board
Scottish Civil Society backs call to end the benefit freeze
VHS is one of forty-five organisations across Scotland calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to end the freeze on working age and children’s benefits in the November 2017 budget. The letter has been coordinated by the Poverty Alliance as part of Challenge Poverty Week 2017. Charities, … [Read more...] about Scottish Civil Society backs call to end the benefit freeze
Small Grants Scheme – To Absent Friends
Two small grants schemes are available to help organisations to participate in To Absent Friends, a people’s festival of storytelling and remembrance, taking place across Scotland from 1-7 November 2018. To Absent Friends is an annual festival that offers people a chance to celebrate and remember … [Read more...] about Small Grants Scheme – To Absent Friends
Putting heads together on loneliness
As it starts to develop a national strategy on social isolation and loneliness the Scottish Government has been actively seeking out the views of VHS, health charities and other organisations in our network including Befriending Networks, Age Scotland, ROAR Connections for Life, Faith in Older … [Read more...] about Putting heads together on loneliness
Getting round the table on public health
Following the collaborative round table on public health that we held on 2nd May 2017, we are grateful to ScotPHN colleagues for producing an excellent note of the meeting and for their commitment to continuing to work with VHS and third sector organisations who attended. Read the note here: … [Read more...] about Getting round the table on public health
Claire’s blog: A National Strategy to Tackle Social Isolation and Loneliness
Recently I was delighted to give the opening address at the Scottish Government's stakeholder event on developing a National Strategy to Tackle Social Isolation and Loneliness. Here's a summary of what I said - and if you're interested in reading my presentation in full and seeing the Scottish … [Read more...] about Claire’s blog: A National Strategy to Tackle Social Isolation and Loneliness
