During February 2020 we are keen to hear from third sector organisations that actively recruit and engage volunteers in NHS settings, e.g. hospitals. If you are involved in this type of work please take a few minutes to complete our online survey which aims to understand awareness of the guidance … [Read more...] about Volunteering in Health: help VHS evaluate the Clear Pathway Guidance
Emma’s blog: Public Health and the Empowerment of Communities
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
Linda’s Blog: The IMPACT of Smoking on Mental Health
At the start of every New Year, many people decide that they’ll quit smoking – a great idea and one which can bring both physical and financial benefits. At the start of a new decade, there’s perhaps even more impetus to do so: a determination to address and change bad habits for good. Everybody … [Read more...] about Linda’s Blog: The IMPACT of Smoking on Mental Health
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
VHS poster at the Faculty of Public Health Conference 2019
We will be presenting a poster on the impact of Arts, Culture and Heritage on people's health and wellbeing at the Faculty of Public Health Conference 2019 on 28th and 29th November 2019. The poster showcases the work that VHS has carried out over the last few years to build bridges and strengthen … [Read more...] about VHS poster at the Faculty of Public Health Conference 2019
Heather’s Blog: Enabling access to screening
Will you join our working group for accessible cancer screenings? Living in Scotland there are lots of things to look forward to as you get older: free bus travel, retirement - and the inevitable envelope inviting you to a routine cancer screening For people living with multiple sclerosis … [Read more...] about Heather’s Blog: Enabling access to screening
Ian’s blog: Scots take steps to better health
Scots walk more now than they did five years ago, according to our latest public opinion survey. According to a poll we commissioned, 42% reported they were walking more often, listing health reasons or a change in personal circumstances, such as having more time or moving house, as the most common … [Read more...] about Ian’s blog: Scots take steps to better health
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
Lessons from WHO: Healthy Prosperous Lives for All
What will it take to ensure healthy, prosperous lives for all across Europe? On 5th November 2019, Dr Johanna Hanefeld was VHS’s guest speaker at our Scottish Parliament reception held to celebrate the work of the Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities. Dr Hanefeld is Associate Professor of the … [Read more...] about Lessons from WHO: Healthy Prosperous Lives for All