VHS has conducted a survey of our member organisations and wider network to help establish the impact COVID-19 is having on the health and wellbeing of people supported by organisations and on organisations’ own ability to continue supporting people. This briefing sets out the top-line results of … [Read more...] about VHS Briefing: Impact of COVID-19 on Voluntary Health Organisations
Rob’s blog: Cancer Support Scotland – Here For Your Wellbeing
These are challenging times we live in. I don’t think any of us could have predicted the state of the world at this time in our lives. COVID-19 has had a major impact on the way we all go about our daily lives and indeed the way we do business. Cancer Support Scotland is no exception. Our face to … [Read more...] about Rob’s blog: Cancer Support Scotland – Here For Your Wellbeing
Coronavirus and support for people with HIV, hepatitis C or sexual health
In response to coronavirus Waverley Care has extended its live chat service while in-person support services are suspended. That means people who need support or advice with HIV, hepatitis C or sexual health, can now speak to their sexual health advisors via live chat between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday … [Read more...] about Coronavirus and support for people with HIV, hepatitis C or sexual health
COVID-19: Message for our Members and Stakeholders
We appreciate that all voluntary health organisations are facing extremely challenging situations for their staff, volunteers and the people and communities whose health and well-being they support. We want to reassure you that VHS is committed to working with you and to collaborating with whoever … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Message for our Members and Stakeholders
Claire’s blog: Culture Strategy will support good health and wellbeing
The national Culture Strategy launched by the Scottish Government on 28th February 2020 has a small, but very welcome, section on culture and health, including these words: Culture improves places for individuals and communities. It plays a key role in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing … [Read more...] about Claire’s blog: Culture Strategy will support good health and wellbeing
Allyson’s blog: A Public Mental Health Workshop
The Scottish Directors of Public Health are committed to producing a series of delivery plans for each of the six national public health priorities. Priority 3 is ‘A Scotland where we have good mental wellbeing’. These delivery plans are to identify what the Scottish Directors of Public Health … [Read more...] about Allyson’s blog: A Public Mental Health Workshop
Volunteering in Health: help VHS evaluate the Clear Pathway Guidance
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