I have two sons; a funny energetic three year old and an alert, cuddly five month old. It’s brilliant and tough at the same time. I look forward each week to going to the local baby group which is run by community volunteers. This is the place where I can find friendship, network links, exchange … [Read more...] about Emma’s blog: Public Health and the Empowerment of Communities
Our Festive Break Christmas 2019
We would like all our members and supporters to know that the team at VHS is taking a longer than usual festive break, as our office will be out of bounds for three weeks to undergo a major face lift. From Monday 23rd December to Friday 10th January you won't be able to telephone or visit us, so … [Read more...] about Our Festive Break Christmas 2019
Leonie’s Blog: Culture, Health and Social Change
I joined Renfrewshire Council in late 2018 in the newly-created post of Paisley Partnership, Strategic Lead for Cultural Regeneration, having previously held culture-related roles with the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and a variety of other organisations. On 29th November 2019 I was … [Read more...] about Leonie’s Blog: Culture, Health and Social Change
Falling Off a Cliff at 65: Key Learnings
There is an urgent need to shine a light into the difficulties which some people experience after age 65 if they either have a long-standing mental health condition (e.g. schizophrenia) or if they develop one (e.g. depression or anxiety). During 2019 VHS has collaborated with Support in Mind … [Read more...] about Falling Off a Cliff at 65: Key Learnings
VHS Annual Lecture 2019: Key Points and Presentations
At VHS's AGM and Annual Lecture on 20th November 2019 our delegates enjoyed two first rate presentations from: Dr William Bird MBE, a Reading based GP, CEO and Founder of Intelligent Health, creator of Green Gyms, Beat the Street & Health Walks Dr Roy Robertson, an Edinburgh based GP, … [Read more...] about VHS Annual Lecture 2019: Key Points and Presentations
Jan-Bert’s blog: Creating a Shared Space for Culture and Health
The Culture Strategy for Scotland, which is still in draft form, provides a renewed focus on the role of art and culture in all aspects of our society. As the Cabinet Secretary for Culture said in her address to launch the development of the Culture Strategy in June 2017: “We know that culture has … [Read more...] about Jan-Bert’s blog: Creating a Shared Space for Culture and Health
Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, loneliness and social isolation
VHS's written response to the Scottish Government's current consultation on a National Transport Strategy was informed both by our members’ work and our 2018 study into the lived experience of loneliness and social isolation The Zubairi Report. Our report was primary research that involved … [Read more...] about Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, loneliness and social isolation
Kate’s blog: Scotland’s progress in rolling out community link working
"Scotland’s most deprived communities need additional support, so we will recruit at least 250 Community Link Workers to work in GP surgeries and direct people to local services and support’." A Plan for Scotland, SNP Manifesto 2016 Introduction Since 2016, ScotPHN Scottish Public Health … [Read more...] about Kate’s blog: Scotland’s progress in rolling out community link working
Arts + Health Scotland: Keeping the Conversation Going
In June 2019 VHS was delighted to partner with Arts + Health Scotland and Art in Hospital for a Keeping the Conversation Going networking event about the arts and health. The event brought together over 60 people working in the NHS, arts, third sector, academia and Scottish Government. There was a … [Read more...] about Arts + Health Scotland: Keeping the Conversation Going
Irene’s blog: Get Ready to Challenge Poverty
Challenge Poverty Week has been coordinated by the Poverty Alliance for the last seven years and is an opportunity for third sector organisations to highlight what they are doing to address poverty, showcase the solutions we can all get behind and commit to more action in the future. This year's … [Read more...] about Irene’s blog: Get Ready to Challenge Poverty
