As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) – a partnership of the Medical Royal Colleges in Scotland and the Faculty of Public Health – quickly recognised that this would exacerbate risks for heavy drinkers and reduce support available, placing a marginalised … [Read more...] about Chris’s Blog: SHAAP’s advice for heavy drinkers who are thinking about cutting back or stopping drinking alcohol
Luke’s Blog: Co-operating for the Health of the Nation
Luke Blair, VHS's Research and Policy Intern, sets out his analysis of the implications of the new Co-operation Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group. On 4th September, the proposed power-sharing agreement between the SNP and the Greens … [Read more...] about Luke’s Blog: Co-operating for the Health of the Nation
Charities Call for Action on Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
One in five deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are preventable in Scotland. A group of ten of Scotland’s leading health charities, are calling for immediate and urgent action on health harming products such as alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and drink to prioritise public health … [Read more...] about Charities Call for Action on Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
Marie’s Blog: Building a Connected Recovery
After some 18 months of unprecedented pressure on key services, the lifting of measures will be seen by many as a new leash of life, an opportunity to reconnect. Restrictions easing will also be a stark reminder of the backlog of needs that must now be addressed. Take loneliness, for example. … [Read more...] about Marie’s Blog: Building a Connected Recovery
Luke’s Blog: my call for other young adults to get vaccinated
In late July, around the time I learned that 17-year-olds turning 18 on or before 31st October had become eligible to get their vaccine, there had been much concern over the slowing rate of vaccination as the programme began to target a younger cohort. So as soon as I realised I was eligible, I did … [Read more...] about Luke’s Blog: my call for other young adults to get vaccinated
Scoping a National Network for Community Link Workers
Community Link Workers working within primary care have told the Scottish Government that the lack of an appropriate national platform, network or community of practice in Scotland means that opportunities for shared learning, continuous professional development and peer support across Scotland are … [Read more...] about Scoping a National Network for Community Link Workers
Influencing the equitable delivery of the Covid vaccine
In a new briefing VHS tells the story of how its research has enabled the third sector to influence the policy and practice surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out in Scotland. By December 2020 the Covid-19 vaccine programme was getting underway, as the NHS rolled out the Pfizer and Astra … [Read more...] about Influencing the equitable delivery of the Covid vaccine
How British Red Cross have been supporting people in Scotland through the Coronavirus crisis
While we've all been affected by Covid-19 in some way, the coronavirus crisis has put the spotlight, above all, on some of the most vulnerable communities around the world, including here in Scotland. Older people, those with underlying health conditions, and people who are living in hardship and … [Read more...] about How British Red Cross have been supporting people in Scotland through the Coronavirus crisis
Kiren’s Blog: So long, and thanks for all the fish!
As I come to the end of nearly five years at VHS, I cannot quite shake this bittersweet feeling. On the one hand I am really excited about starting a new opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead but at the same time I don’t want to leave a team that has become a second family to me and an … [Read more...] about Kiren’s Blog: So long, and thanks for all the fish!
On camera: creating health through arts and culture
Creative Scotland has produced a short video to promote Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland (ACHWS). The video features Robbie McGhee, Chair of ACHWS and Associate Director, Art in Hospital, and Claire Stevens, Secretary of ACHWS and Chief Executive here at VHS. Watch it to find out more … [Read more...] about On camera: creating health through arts and culture
