“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life.” Dame Cicely Saunders, the Founder of the modern hospice movement, knew the importance of person-centred care before it started to gain the real social and political traction that it has today. Too often, professionals see … [Read more...] about Susan’s Blog: You Matter
Maureen’s blog: Arthritis and Mental Health
“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
VHS Response to A Healthier Future – Action and Ambitions on Diet, Activity and Healthy Weight
VHS has responded to the Scottish Government Consultation on the Draft Strategy, A Healthier Future - Action and Ambitions on Diet, Activity and Healthy Weight. The strategy is based on three broad areas; transforming the food environment; living healthier and more active lives; and leadership and … [Read more...] about VHS Response to A Healthier Future – Action and Ambitions on Diet, Activity and Healthy Weight
Scottish Government draft strategy launched: A Connected Scotland
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?
