When Audit Scotland published its first audit of health and social care integration at the end of last year, some read its frank acknowledgements of the risks and challenges ahead as “a lot of doom and gloom.” However, Gordon Neill, Senior Auditor, Audit Scotland, told those assembled for VHS’s … [Read more...] about Katie’s Blog: Reflections Health and Social Care Integration Workshop with Audit Scotland
Catherine’s Blog – Food: it’s about so much more than nutrition.
Edinburgh Cyrenians' recent breakfast conversation really got me thinking. The event 'Something to eat, someone to eat with' hit home in a powerful way the message that yes, food is fuel, but beyond that it's also companionship, learning, conversations, love and so much more. For some it's steeped … [Read more...] about Catherine’s Blog – Food: it’s about so much more than nutrition.
Key Messages: Health and Social Care Integration Edinburgh Workshop with Audit Scotland
As part of its role in facilitating third sector engagement in the Health and Social Care Integration (H&SCI) agenda, VHS is leading discussions between Audit Scotland, members of the Third Sector Health and Social Care Advisory Group and the wider third sector. Our Edinburgh workshop on 26th … [Read more...] about Key Messages: Health and Social Care Integration Edinburgh Workshop with Audit Scotland
Preventing alcohol related harm in older people
Alcohol related harm among people aged 50+ is poorly understood and not receiving enough attention, a major new report has found. Polices, strategies and cultural shifts that are having a positive impact on drinking behaviour in younger generations have not reached older adults. A rethink from … [Read more...] about Preventing alcohol related harm in older people
VHS welcomes Audit Scotland report on health and social care integration
Audit Scotland says that significant risks must be addressed if the reform of health and social care is to fundamentally change how services are delivered and improve outcomes for the people who use them. Their report Health and Social Care Integration is published today, 3rd December … [Read more...] about VHS welcomes Audit Scotland report on health and social care integration
Lucy’s blog: rights and recovery for transformational change
This is a critical time for mental health in Scotland. Funding crises and shrinking services mean that many people who experience mental health problems are unable to get the support they need, when they need it. Meanwhile, increasing numbers of people are affected by mental health problems as a … [Read more...] about Lucy’s blog: rights and recovery for transformational change
Charities appeal to Chancellor of Exchequer to spare Big Lottery funding
Ahead of George Osborne's Autumn Statement due on 25th November 2015, VHS has joined forces with 20 other charities in Scotland to send him an open letter. The letter urges the Chancellor not to raid Lottery cash to make up for cuts in the arts and sport, a proposal apparently being actively … [Read more...] about Charities appeal to Chancellor of Exchequer to spare Big Lottery funding
Lesley’s blog: the day the Minister visited Cope Scotland
It was a typically dreich and misty early November morning as I arrived in Drumchapel on my way to Cope Scotland. I found myself in a car park behind a pub and a row of shops. Finding a side entrance I rang the bell and the door was opened by a cheerful young man, Andrew - a staff member at Cope … [Read more...] about Lesley’s blog: the day the Minister visited Cope Scotland
Claire’s blog: how to actively suppress health inequalities
VHS Chief Officer Claire Stevens writes: “Gentlemen, we have run out of money. It's time to start thinking” nuclear physicist Ernest Rutherford famously said. Addressing health inequalities shouldn’t be Mission Impossible, but we need to be bold and act as though time itself has run out - … [Read more...] about Claire’s blog: how to actively suppress health inequalities
Norman’s blog: squaring the circle for families in poverty
VHS trustee Norman Craig writes: Circle is a charity that helps young people and their families damaged by alcohol, identifying a range of support services that can help them come through crisis, including accessing financial support. Representing VHS I attended Circle’s AGM on 7th October … [Read more...] about Norman’s blog: squaring the circle for families in poverty
