“Isolation is my problem. When I am in pain I avoid contact with people. This makes me depressed, which locks me in to a cycle of pain. Also tiredness makes me unable to cope with day to day chores. I then feel worthless. This prolonged bad, wet, windy weather has chained me to my home. This has … [Read more...] about Maureen’s blog: Arthritis and Mental Health
How do we enable a more connected Scotland?
This is the question that the Scottish Government is asking in its new draft strategy on tackling loneliness and social isolation in Scotland. A Connected Scotland is the first government strategy, globally, aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation and paving the way for a more connected … [Read more...] about How do we enable a more connected Scotland?
Maureen’s Blog: See me for who I am
We are all ageing. With 8% of our population over 75 years old, it is unsurprising that on a daily basis in the media there are stories about the increase in the number of older people and the concerns about by whom, how and with what resources they will be cared for. Longevity brings the need for … [Read more...] about Maureen’s Blog: See me for who I am
Spotlight on Pilton Community Health Project
This month, Jenny Lester, Communications and Marketing Assistant at VHS, met with Helen Scammel, co-director, at Pilton Community Health Project. PCHP uses a social model of health and works using a community development approach to tackle ill health in the area. Helen and I met in one of their … [Read more...] about Spotlight on Pilton Community Health Project
Norman’s blog: Human Rights in Medicine – Myth and Reality
A conference on human rights in medicine at the Royal College of Physicians on 20th November 2017 gave me a lot of food for thought. Overall the Conference underpinned the efforts that VHS and others are making in Scotland to address inequalities in health, set within the context of the declaration … [Read more...] about Norman’s blog: Human Rights in Medicine – Myth and Reality
Marie-Amélie’s blog: Because we’re only human after all
On the importance of social connectedness for mental health and wellbeing Mental Health has been a taboo for a long time. It is encouraging to see the topic going up the agenda and becoming a subject of lively conversation, not just amongst professionals but with family and friends too. It is … [Read more...] about Marie-Amélie’s blog: Because we’re only human after all
Julie’s blog: Calling Time on Alcohol and Ageism
Just before Christmas, Drink Wise, Age Well launched ‘Calling Time – Addressing ageism and age discrimination in alcohol policy, practice and research’. A report which presents evidence of practice and service provision that is in breach of the 2010 Equality Act and effectively stops older adults … [Read more...] about Julie’s blog: Calling Time on Alcohol and Ageism
Margaret’s Blog: What can arts and culture do for health inequalities?
What are the health benefits of engaging with culture, first of all in general terms and then with specific reference to health inequalities? Talking about engaging with culture is a useful way of understanding the opportunity to both access and to participate in culture. For example, … [Read more...] about Margaret’s Blog: What can arts and culture do for health inequalities?
The interplanetary connectedness of public health
This year's Faculty of Public Health Scottish Conference took place over 2nd and 3rd November in Aviemore. It set out to emphasise that health is a basic human right, not a privilege. VHS's Claire Stevens joined forces with Ann Conacher from the Scottish Public Health Nework (ScotPHN) to present a … [Read more...] about The interplanetary connectedness of public health
Sport Matters
In forming the Observatory for Sport in Scotland (OSS) its founders wanted to create a charity that is all about the F word – Friendship. Sport can breed friendship. From playgrounds to parks, through school into work, across Scotland’s communities and beyond. As we intersect this planet with … [Read more...] about Sport Matters
