Welcome to August’s edition of Health Policy Matters! This monthly blog features recent policy highlights, as well as upcoming influencing opportunities for VHS and our members. It is no secret that the third sector is under incredible financial pressure at the moment. Over the last month, we … [Read more...] about Health Policy Matters – August 2024
Linking health and heat: Home Energy Scotland
Living in a cold damp home negatively impacts physical and mental health. Scottish Government analysis has shown that it’s 15% more likely for someone living in an energy inefficient household experiencing fuel poverty to have a long-term illness or disability than someone not in fuel poverty. It’s … [Read more...] about Linking health and heat: Home Energy Scotland
Billy’s Blog: It’s All About Teamwork
In my spare time I coach girls’ rugby. As everyone knows, rugby is a team sport with different players, all with very different strengths, playing different positons. Quick, agile players in the backs, big heavy, strong players in the forwards and dextrous, skilled ball handlers and kickers … [Read more...] about Billy’s Blog: It’s All About Teamwork
Health Policy Matters – July 2024
Welcome to Voluntary Health Scotland’s new monthly policy blog! I’m Matthew James, the new Policy Engagement Lead at VHS. I’ve been at the organisation for just over three months now and have been made to feel so welcome by the team here, as well as by our members and partners. I have been amazed by … [Read more...] about Health Policy Matters – July 2024
Paul’s Blog: Addressing health inequalities has never been more important
In celebrating VHS’s 20th anniversary, if ever there was a time for us as an organisation to exist it surely is now. Over the past ten years, health inequalities in Scotland have worsened due to successive political and social policy decisions taken and with the lasting impact of Covid-19 this has … [Read more...] about Paul’s Blog: Addressing health inequalities has never been more important
Wilma’s Blog: Reflections on Voluntary Health Scotland
I joined the board of VHS some three and a half years ago and how time has just flown in. What I have been most impressed by is the energy and commitment this platform has given its members to raise, discuss, debate and most importantly voice potential solutions and ideas to help address the health … [Read more...] about Wilma’s Blog: Reflections on Voluntary Health Scotland
Gayle’s Blog: Partnering with health and social care professionals to help people access social security
At Social Security Scotland we believe benefits are a human right. We aim to serve everybody in Scotland equally and fairly, treating people as individuals. The values of dignity, fairness, and respect are at the heart of everything we do. We know that any of us may need support at any … [Read more...] about Gayle’s Blog: Partnering with health and social care professionals to help people access social security
Kim’s Blog: Supporting Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (Scottish Families) is a national charity which supports anyone affected by someone else’s alcohol/drug use in Scotland. We give information and advice to many people and help them with confidence, communication, and general well-being, and we link … [Read more...] about Kim’s Blog: Supporting Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Carol and Gail’s Blog: NHS 24 – Helping you find the right care, in the right place
Carol Cowan and Gail Lumsden have been part of NHS 24’s Engagement Team for many years. Part of their role is to support Community Link Workers to help tackle health inequalities and promote improved awareness of NHS 24 services and care navigation. Here they explain more about NHS 24 and how … [Read more...] about Carol and Gail’s Blog: NHS 24 – Helping you find the right care, in the right place
Judith’s Blog: Innovating in Inverclyde- a holistic approach to type 2 diabetes prevention
Diabetes Scotland’s Judith Kennon reflects on why a holistic approach to type 2 diabetes prevention and the involvement of community organisations and people living with diabetes are important. Diabetes Scotland has been working with stakeholders in Inverclyde to collaborate and innovate around … [Read more...] about Judith’s Blog: Innovating in Inverclyde- a holistic approach to type 2 diabetes prevention
