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
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