Social connections are essential for our health. They help us to make healthy decisions, inspire us to support one another, encourage us to be active, keep us mentally stimulated, and crucially, allow us to build and maintain trusting, cohesive communities. Encouragingly, the impact of social … [Read more...] about Ruairidh’s Blog- Social Prescribing: An Intergenerational Approach
Paul’s Blog: Voluntary Health Organisations – Tackling Health Inequalities in Scotland
Paul Okroj, VHS Trustee and Director of External Engagement at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, recently chaired VHS’ 20th Anniversary celebration event. Here he shares his reflections on the importance of the work of voluntary health organisations and why they are needed now more than … [Read more...] about Paul’s Blog: Voluntary Health Organisations – Tackling Health Inequalities in Scotland
Bushra’s Blog: How can we change the narrative on Health inequalities?
Health policy is not an area I ever imagined I would work in. Having joined Kidney Research UK initially as a volunteer after many years working in marketing, I wanted a change of career and to be able to “give back” to a community in need. Stumbling upon a discussion around transplantation and … [Read more...] about Bushra’s Blog: How can we change the narrative on Health inequalities?
Amanda’s Blog: Addressing Disparities in Perinatal Care
Addressing Disparities in Perinatal Care: Insights from Amma Birth Companions In the realm of perinatal care, every person giving birth deserves to feel supported, heard, and empowered to make informed decisions throughout their childbirth journey. However, a recent study conducted by Amma Birth … [Read more...] about Amanda’s Blog: Addressing Disparities in Perinatal Care
Alison’s blog: why singing hits all the right notes when it comes to our health
'Singing is one of the most positive forms of human activity, supporting physical, mental, emotional and social health, as well as individual development in the same areas.' (Professor Graham Welch for Sing Up). Scotland has a powerful singing tradition, with hundreds of groups across the … [Read more...] about Alison’s blog: why singing hits all the right notes when it comes to our health
Gillian’s Blog: Health inequalities in Scotland since devolution – what are the key trends?
In 2022, the Health Foundation commissioned an independent review of health inequalities in Scotland. To inform this review, researchers at the University of Glasgow were asked to produce a report describing trends in inequalities in the timing and causes of deaths, health and wellbeing, … [Read more...] about Gillian’s Blog: Health inequalities in Scotland since devolution – what are the key trends?
Maureen’s Blog: Meaning, Purpose and Hope
The World Health Organization defines health as being comprised of ‘body, mind and spirit’. The spiritual dimension is often ignored and misunderstood. However, it plays a significant part in our wellbeing as it is what makes us unique, it defines what really matters to us and helps us to build … [Read more...] about Maureen’s Blog: Meaning, Purpose and Hope
Claire’s blog: falling off a cliff at 65
As I hurtle towards retirement, with only a few weeks remaining of my time with VHS, I have been encouraged (thanks, team!) to pen a valedictory blog. I suppose the customary approach to this would be to reflect (in a slightly self-congratulatory way perhaps) on the many highlights and achievements … [Read more...] about Claire’s blog: falling off a cliff at 65
Heather’s blog: Common Wheel – supporting mental health across Glasgow
Heather Brown works as Participation and Volunteering Manager at Common Wheel, a charity that supports people managing or recovering from mental illness in Glasgow. In her blog she talks about the support they provide across their 4 main projects and why Community Link Workers (CLWs) are the perfect … [Read more...] about Heather’s blog: Common Wheel – supporting mental health across Glasgow
Christine’s Blog: Health Inequalities
Health Inequalities. Isn’t that a neat little phrase? Of course, those of us working in the Third sector, or in the public sector, have heard these two words many, many times. But does the phrase resonate with most ‘people on the street’? I doubt it. And yet, the fight against health inequalities is … [Read more...] about Christine’s Blog: Health Inequalities