The Scottish Parliament held the Stage 1 debate for the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill on Tuesday 26 November 2013. This followed the Stage 1 report, which discusses the general principles of the Bill. During this session, the Bill’s general principles were debated and the … [Read more...] about Public Bodies Bill – Stage 1 Debate
Health Inequalities
While Scotland’s health is improving, the gap in health outcomes between the most and least advantaged groups in society is widening. People who are more disadvantaged, have a lower level of income, with a lower level of education, have greater health problems, have a poorer quality of life, are … [Read more...] about Health Inequalities
Health & Social Care Integration
The integration of health and social care is the Scottish Government’s programme of reform to improve services for people who use health and social care services. Integration aims to ensure that health and social care provision across Scotland is joined-up and seamless, especially for people with … [Read more...] about Health & Social Care Integration
Third Sector Contributions to Narrowing Health Inequalities
As part of the first Challenge Poverty Week, co-ordinated by the Poverty Alliance, VHS Scotland held a Sounding Board on Thursday 17 October 2013 to examine and discuss the third sector contribution to narrowing health inequalities in Scotland and mark the Annual United Nations Day for the … [Read more...] about Third Sector Contributions to Narrowing Health Inequalities
Living Streets
This month James met with Chris Thompson (Schools Co-ordinator) at Living Streets Scotland. Living Streets Scotland campaigns for safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk. Living Streets, formally known as the Pedestrians Association, was formed in 1929. They have an … [Read more...] about Living Streets
Drawing It All Together – Symposium & AGM
Thursday 28 November 2013, 10.00am - 4.00pm Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL Explore & discuss four big inter-connected themes: Tackling health inequalities for a fairer, healthier Scotland Integrating health and social care for better services for … [Read more...] about Drawing It All Together – Symposium & AGM
Learning to Lead in Health
Voluntary health organisations are key players in the transformation of public services and in the shift towards prevention and early intervention. The changing policy environment is both an opportunity and a challenge for voluntary health organisations. This one day taster programme is designed … [Read more...] about Learning to Lead in Health
Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill Update
Susan Lowes, Policy & Engagement Officer, attended the Senscot Health SEN meeting on 17 September 2013 in Edinburgh and gave members an introductory presentation on the Bill and the third sector response to date. This presentation can be accessed here (VHS Presentation for Senscot Meeting) and … [Read more...] about Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill Update
Neighbourhood Networks
This month James Evans, Health Inequalities Volunteer with VHS, met David Watson (Team Manager) from Neighbourhood Networks. Neighbourhood Networks is a Glasgow based charity working to reduce the health inequalities of vulnerable people by providing localised personal support. By having support … [Read more...] about Neighbourhood Networks
Scottish Draft Budget 2014-15 announced
In his budget statement of 11th September 2013, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment & Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, stated that this was a budget: focused on delivering investment, protecting household incomes and creating jobs that values our public services, the people that … [Read more...] about Scottish Draft Budget 2014-15 announced
