Following the COVID-19 lock-down and related government measures we wanted to know what the immediate impact was on our member organisations, so that we were better equipped to represent their interests to the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and other public sector decision makers. … [Read more...] about Key Messages: Discussions on Covid-19 Impact on Voluntary Health Sector, 31st March and 1st April
VHS Briefing: Impact of COVID-19 on Voluntary Health Organisations

VHS has conducted a survey of our member organisations and wider network to help establish the impact COVID-19 is having on the health and wellbeing of people supported by organisations and on organisations’ own ability to continue supporting people. This briefing sets out the top-line results of … [Read more...] about VHS Briefing: Impact of COVID-19 on Voluntary Health Organisations
Falling Off a Cliff at 65: Discussion Paper and Evidence

Since 2019 VHS has collaborated with Support in Mind Scotland and colleagues from across the third and public sectors, to scope what happens to people with mental health conditions other than or alongside dementia once they become 65. Issues we have been exploring include under-diagnosis, … [Read more...] about Falling Off a Cliff at 65: Discussion Paper and Evidence
Key Messages: Shaping primary care for the next generation in rural Scotland

These Key Messages are a summary of an hour-long workshop delivered to 80 people on 19th February at The Gathering in Glasgow. The workshop was organised by VHS in collaboration with the Scottish Rural Health Partnership. Rural Scotland is affected by some very specific challenges to the … [Read more...] about Key Messages: Shaping primary care for the next generation in rural Scotland
CPG on Health Inequalities Discussion of Men’s Health Inequalities

The Cross Party Group (CPG) on Health Inequalities met on 21st January 2020 in the Scottish Parliament to discuss the topic of men's health inequalities. Richard Lyle MSP, Co Convenor of the CPG, chaired the meeting. VHS is Secretariat of the CPG. Read the draft minutes Read Attendees Feedback … [Read more...] about CPG on Health Inequalities Discussion of Men’s Health Inequalities
Falling Off a Cliff at 65: Key Learnings

There is an urgent need to shine a light into the difficulties which some people experience after age 65 if they either have a long-standing mental health condition (e.g. schizophrenia) or if they develop one (e.g. depression or anxiety). During 2019 VHS has collaborated with Support in Mind … [Read more...] about Falling Off a Cliff at 65: Key Learnings
VHS Annual Lecture 2019: Key Points and Presentations

At VHS's AGM and Annual Lecture on 20th November 2019 our delegates enjoyed two first rate presentations from: Dr William Bird MBE, a Reading based GP, CEO and Founder of Intelligent Health, creator of Green Gyms, Beat the Street & Health Walks Dr Roy Robertson, an Edinburgh based GP, … [Read more...] about VHS Annual Lecture 2019: Key Points and Presentations
Lessons from WHO: Healthy Prosperous Lives for All

What will it take to ensure healthy, prosperous lives for all across Europe? On 5th November 2019, Dr Johanna Hanefeld was VHS’s guest speaker at our Scottish Parliament reception held to celebrate the work of the Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities. Dr Hanefeld is Associate Professor of the … [Read more...] about Lessons from WHO: Healthy Prosperous Lives for All
Key Messages: VHS Annual Conference- Realising the Right to Health

VHS held our 2019 annual conference in Glasgow on 17th September. Read the conference Key Messages here - Realising the Right to Health Conference Key Messages Read Christina McKelvie MSP's opening address: Minister for Older People and Equalities View the event powerpoint … [Read more...] about Key Messages: VHS Annual Conference- Realising the Right to Health
CPG Health Inequalities: The Future of Primary Care

On Tuesday 1 October 2019, the Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities held its AGM and business meeting at the Scottish Parliament. The meeting was chaired by Brian Whittle MSP and there were nearly 50 attendees including MSPs Emma Harper, Richard Lyle, Donald Cameron, Murdo Fraser and Anas … [Read more...] about CPG Health Inequalities: The Future of Primary Care