This blog by Emilie McSwiggan, a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, outlines findings from a review that aimed to summarise what questions have been addressed in social prescribing research so far. Social Prescribing research is booming Research and policy interest in social … [Read more...] about Emilie’s Blog – Research into Social Prescribing: What’s the Story So Far?
Laura’s Blog: Putting accessibility at the centre of eye health and care
When we think about accessibility in health and social care, physical adjustments like ramps or braille signage might come to mind. But true accessibility runs much deeper - it’s about how services are designed, how information is shared, how technology is used, and ultimately, how people feel when … [Read more...] about Laura’s Blog: Putting accessibility at the centre of eye health and care
Cecily’s Blog: Health Equity in Action – A New Chapter with VHS
I’m just over a month into my role as Interim Operations and Event Coordinator at Voluntary Health Scotland, and I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, proactive, and motivating environment to start my career in Scotland’s health and wellbeing third sector. My background is in public … [Read more...] about Cecily’s Blog: Health Equity in Action – A New Chapter with VHS
A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
Sarah Latto, VHS Policy and Public Affairs Lead, reflects on her first three weeks in post including the publication of the Population Health Framework and the Service Renewal Framework this week. Today marks exactly three weeks since I joined Voluntary Health Scotland as the Policy and Public … [Read more...] about A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
Andy’s Blog: Finding Hope on the Pitch – How Street Soccer Scotland is Changing Lives
At Street Soccer Scotland, we believe football is more than just a game—it’s a gateway to hope, healing, and human connection. Every week, we welcome people who’ve been pushed to the margins of society and offer them something many haven’t felt in a long time: belonging. We’re here for those … [Read more...] about Andy’s Blog: Finding Hope on the Pitch – How Street Soccer Scotland is Changing Lives
Roisin’s blog: Why I love being a volunteer befriender
As the Project Manager for the Scottish Community Link Worker Network, I hear regularly from CLWs about the need for more services to address social isolation and loneliness; this is one of the main reasons that patients are referred to them by GPs. According to the National Institute on Aging the … [Read more...] about Roisin’s blog: Why I love being a volunteer befriender
Lauren’s Blog: Ten Years, Thousands of Connections, and One Big Thank You
After more than ten years at Voluntary Health Scotland, it’s time for me to say goodbye. That sentence feels surreal to write. Because VHS hasn’t just been my job—it’s always felt so much more. When I joined VHS back in 2015, my role was to develop a new programme of events and engagement … [Read more...] about Lauren’s Blog: Ten Years, Thousands of Connections, and One Big Thank You
CLW Team of the Year Winner’s Blog: Stirling and Clackmannanshire
The Stirling and Clackmannanshire Community Link Worker team has been running in its current format for just over 2 years. We have a Lead CLW in each of the two council areas we work across and one CLW in each area as well. As a small team of 4, we work very closely together and, while we are … [Read more...] about CLW Team of the Year Winner’s Blog: Stirling and Clackmannanshire
Roisin’s Blog – What Change Do We Want to See by 2035? Reflections from VHS members
By Roisin Hurst, Project Manager of the Scottish Community Link Worker Network. This week, the Scottish Parliament’s Garden Lobby was alive with conversation, hope, and a shared vision for a better future. Our event, centred around ‘Voices of Health Creation,' focussing on the question "What … [Read more...] about Roisin’s Blog – What Change Do We Want to See by 2035? Reflections from VHS members
Dawn’s Blog: My Journey as Scotland’s Community Link Worker of the Year
Today, something truly remarkable happened — I was honoured to be named Community Link Worker of the Year in Scotland. As I stood there, walking stick in hand, it struck me how far I’ve come. The stick is a reminder that I still live with pain, but it no longer defines me. Years ago, that pain would … [Read more...] about Dawn’s Blog: My Journey as Scotland’s Community Link Worker of the Year
