In our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on creating a National Care Service, we have urged for meaningful engagement with the third and voluntary sector in the design, delivery and governance of the proposals. Social care goes far beyond delivering medicine and care, it should … [Read more...] about A National Care Service for Scotland: Consultation Response
Celebrate the covid heroes – but what about the other volunteers?
Here we share a thoughtful and thought provoking poem written by a volunteer who reflects on their experience of being 'surplus to requirement' during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are grateful to Volunteer Edinburgh for allowing us to publish the poem, and it is accompanied by a blog by Nick Woodhead, … [Read more...] about Celebrate the covid heroes – but what about the other volunteers?
Wendy’s blog: See Us make a difference together
The last 18 months have had a huge impact on communities across Scotland. While we as a nation are only just beginning to understand the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing we can see already is that the mental health of the nation has taken a real hit. Now, more than ever, it’s … [Read more...] about Wendy’s blog: See Us make a difference together
Kimberley’s blog: Looking beyond COVID
The pandemic has shone a light on the vast health inequalities which exist in Scotland. Looking beyond COVID there are a number of policy areas, including NHS recovery, which are already taking centre stage. Although the Scottish Parliament’s committees have officially formed, they are still in the … [Read more...] about Kimberley’s blog: Looking beyond COVID
Health at the Heart of Communities: Annual Conference Key Messages
VHS hosted our annual conference of 2021 online on the 6th October. We were delighted to be joined by so many attendees from across sectors and across Scotland to discuss 'Health at the Heart of Communities'. We were delighted to be joined by: Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health … [Read more...] about Health at the Heart of Communities: Annual Conference Key Messages
Leon’s Blog: Community-led wellbeing
Community responses to the pandemic were compassionate and inspiring – and highly practical. The Burghead community was one example - it was speedy, with local people and organisations forming a group to make sure everyone had access to food. Burghead quickly decided they wouldn’t means-test the … [Read more...] about Leon’s Blog: Community-led wellbeing
Ewan’s Blog: How to have your voice heard at Scottish Parliament
The Scottish people have recently elected a new cohort of MSPs to represent the Constituencies and Regions of Scotland. With it brings the most diverse group of elected representatives we’ve had in the Parliament’s 22 year history. Fresh faces bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to engage with … [Read more...] about Ewan’s Blog: How to have your voice heard at Scottish Parliament
What’s new? Read our October 2021 e-bulletin
Our latest news bulletin is packed with useful information for and about voluntary health organisations. Download it here Sign up to receive it direct each month … [Read more...] about What’s new? Read our October 2021 e-bulletin
Rebecca’s Blog: The Treasures We Seek
What can we learn from the clowning approach? An exciting partnership between Hearts & Minds, Designed by Society, Wee Culture and Edel Roddy launched a new website with valuable resources for unpaid and professional carers of people with dementia and anyone who has an interest in care for … [Read more...] about Rebecca’s Blog: The Treasures We Seek
Laura’s Blog: Inaccessible health information during the COVID-19 pandemic
As UK and Scottish Government, health officials and businesses grappled with the spread of coronavirus, the outbreak highlighted the importance of effective and accessible communication, so everyone knew how to keep themselves and the community safe. However, during the pandemic, accessible … [Read more...] about Laura’s Blog: Inaccessible health information during the COVID-19 pandemic
