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
Luke’s Blog: Co-operating for the Health of the Nation
Luke Blair, VHS's Research and Policy Intern, sets out his analysis of the implications of the new Co-operation Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group. On 4th September, the proposed power-sharing agreement between the SNP and the Greens … [Read more...] about Luke’s Blog: Co-operating for the Health of the Nation
Charities Call for Action on Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
One in five deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are preventable in Scotland. A group of ten of Scotland’s leading health charities, are calling for immediate and urgent action on health harming products such as alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and drink to prioritise public health … [Read more...] about Charities Call for Action on Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
Marie’s Blog: Building a Connected Recovery
After some 18 months of unprecedented pressure on key services, the lifting of measures will be seen by many as a new leash of life, an opportunity to reconnect. Restrictions easing will also be a stark reminder of the backlog of needs that must now be addressed. Take loneliness, for example. … [Read more...] about Marie’s Blog: Building a Connected Recovery
Scoping a National Network for Community Link Workers
Community Link Workers working within primary care have told the Scottish Government that the lack of an appropriate national platform, network or community of practice in Scotland means that opportunities for shared learning, continuous professional development and peer support across Scotland are … [Read more...] about Scoping a National Network for Community Link Workers
VHS is recruiting: Policy Engagement Officer
We are currently seeking a full-time Policy Engagement Officer. We would love to hear from you if this role excites you and matches your skills and experience. Closing date for applications is 9.00 am, Monday 5th July 2021. VHS is Scotland’s leading intermediary and network for the voluntary … [Read more...] about VHS is recruiting: Policy Engagement Officer
Influencing the equitable delivery of the Covid vaccine
In a new briefing VHS tells the story of how its research has enabled the third sector to influence the policy and practice surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out in Scotland. By December 2020 the Covid-19 vaccine programme was getting underway, as the NHS rolled out the Pfizer and Astra … [Read more...] about Influencing the equitable delivery of the Covid vaccine
