The Scottish Government have published their draft strategy, 'A Connected Scotland: Tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections'. The draft strategy has a strong focus on empowering communities to help tackle loneliness and social isolation whilst also … [Read more...] about Scottish Government draft strategy launched: A Connected Scotland
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
“What can arts and culture do for health inequalities?” Developing a Culture Strategy for Scotland
The Scottish Government is working to develop a Culture Strategy for Scotland. The last two Programmes for Government have committed to a Culture Strategy for Scotland, which will be underpinned by the principles of access, equity and excellence. As part of an initial engagement phase Voluntary … [Read more...] about “What can arts and culture do for health inequalities?” Developing a Culture Strategy for Scotland
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?
Health, human rights and the EU Withdrawal Bill
There are a number of opportunities right now for third sector organisations to engage with the EU Withdrawal Bill. Over 52 third sector organisations, including VHS, are urging MPs to vote for Amendment NC44 to the Bill. They believe the amendment is necessary to safeguard the interests of … [Read more...] about Health, human rights and the EU Withdrawal Bill
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
SISCC’s Blog: Real health delivered through real world research
How do we deliver the ‘best care’ to improve health and social outcomes for the population of Scotland? What do we mean by ‘best care’? Does this look and feel the same for everyone in every town across Scotland? Can a personalised approach deliver consistent and equitable standards of care? … [Read more...] about SISCC’s Blog: Real health delivered through real world research
Third sector voices on the Public Health Oversight Board
Plans are underway to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitments to agree national public health priorities, establish a new national public health body and develop local joint public health partnerships. A strategic Public Health Oversight Board (PHOB) has been established (jointly chaired by … [Read more...] about Third sector voices on the Public Health Oversight Board









