In July I blogged about VHS’s growing involvement in the Public Health Reform Programme. A lot has happened since then, so it’s time for another update. As a member of the overall Public Health Oversight Board (PHOB) for the past year, my job has been to ensure that our sector is as fully … [Read more...] about Claire’s Blog: next steps for third sector in Public Health Reform
Ian’s blog: more green lights for active travel
Over the past few days, we at Paths for All have been digesting the raft of statistics, information and government plans that were announced on 4th September 2018. In the space of just a few hours, and thanks to the publication of the 2017 Scottish Household Survey, Transport Scotland stats, and … [Read more...] about Ian’s blog: more green lights for active travel
Mental Health a key plank of 2018/19 Programme for Government
The Scottish Government has renewed its commitment to make Scotland one of the first countries in the world to develop a strategy to address loneliness and social isolation. Announcing the Scottish Government's 2018/19 Programme for Government, the First Minister included a number of commitments … [Read more...] about Mental Health a key plank of 2018/19 Programme for Government
A Connected Scotland Update
The consultation period for the draft Social Isolation and Loneliness strategy, A Connected Scotland ended on 27th April 2018. The Scottish Government received 416 consultation responses, ranging from large national organisations to individual members of the public. The responses have been made … [Read more...] about A Connected Scotland Update
Animating A Weighty Issue
Thanks to Aye Can Change, a social enterprise based in Perthshire, VHS's key messages and illustrations from A Weighty Issue: Understanding and Action on Obesity and Health have been encapsulated in a short video and quiz. The video is available on You Tube or you can access it both video and … [Read more...] about Animating A Weighty Issue
HPON: Planning (Scotland) Bill
The Health Policy Officers Network or HPON is a peer support network of Health Policy Officers in small to medium sized organisations who meet to discuss policy issues affecting the voluntary health sector in a supportive environment. VHS and and Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland jointly administer … [Read more...] about HPON: Planning (Scotland) Bill
British Red Cross Blog: Maintaining mobility
Imagine you have just had surgery on your hip after a bad fall. You’ve been in hospital recovering and you’ve been told you mustn’t put any weight on your leg. You are ready to go home, and you can’t wait to get back, make your own dinner, see your friends, go to the shops. With your crutches in … [Read more...] about British Red Cross Blog: Maintaining mobility
Jennifer’s Blog: Active travel as a real solution to growing levels of physical inactivity
The vision of the newly published Scotland’s Physical Activity Delivery Plan is for a Scotland where more people are more active, more often. And it’s clear to see why. Participation in physical activity is stagnating and sedentary behaviour increasing, and it’s having a significant impact on … [Read more...] about Jennifer’s Blog: Active travel as a real solution to growing levels of physical inactivity
Claire’s blog: public health reform gains momentum
I thought it timely to give an update on the Public Health Reform programme, including recent developments and VHS’s role. As a member of the overall Public Health Oversight Board (PHOB) for the past year, my job is to ensure that our sector is as fully embedded as possible to the future plans for … [Read more...] about Claire’s blog: public health reform gains momentum
Kate’s blog: Community Link Workers in Scotland Update
Last year VHS published Gold Star Exemplars , a report into third sector approaches to community link working in Scotland. This was commissioned by the Scottish Government in response to the SNP 2016 election manifesto pledge: ‘Scotland’s most deprived communities need additional support, so we … [Read more...] about Kate’s blog: Community Link Workers in Scotland Update