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
Norman’s blog: Human Rights in Medicine – Myth and Reality
A conference on human rights in medicine at the Royal College of Physicians on 20th November 2017 gave me a lot of food for thought. Overall the Conference underpinned the efforts that VHS and others are making in Scotland to address inequalities in health, set within the context of the declaration … [Read more...] about Norman’s blog: Human Rights in Medicine – Myth and Reality
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?
Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities AGM 26 October 2017
The Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities met on 26th October 2017 for its first AGM this Parliamentary session. VHS have produced a summary of the meetings from 2016-2017- CPG Health Inequalities Summary Annual Review 2016-17 At the AGM, Members re-appointed VHS as Secretariat and … [Read more...] about Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities AGM 26 October 2017
Scottish Civil Society backs call to end the benefit freeze
VHS is one of forty-five organisations across Scotland calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to end the freeze on working age and children’s benefits in the November 2017 budget. The letter has been coordinated by the Poverty Alliance as part of Challenge Poverty Week 2017. Charities, … [Read more...] about Scottish Civil Society backs call to end the benefit freeze
VHS Response to Socio-Economic Duty Consultation
Voluntary Health Scotland have responded to the Scottish Government consultation on the socio-economic duty. We welcome the socio-economic duty as an initiative that can reduce socio-economic disadvantage. However, we are concerned over its practical application. You can read our full response … [Read more...] about VHS Response to Socio-Economic Duty Consultation
Putting heads together on loneliness
As it starts to develop a national strategy on social isolation and loneliness the Scottish Government has been actively seeking out the views of VHS, health charities and other organisations in our network including Befriending Networks, Age Scotland, ROAR Connections for Life, Faith in Older … [Read more...] about Putting heads together on loneliness
