On 30th June, we submitted our response to the UK Government Pathways to Work consultation. Whilst there are some positive elements within the Green Paper, we express our reservations about some of the proposals and provide some recommendations for ensuring that people living with long term health … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Pathways to Work Consultation
VHS Response: Scottish Labour Policy Forum Stage 2 Consultation
On 27th June 2025, we responded to the second stage of the Scottish Labour Party’s Policy Forum. This will inform their manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliament election. The consultation is framed around seven thematic documents, including two on Mental Health and Preventative Health Care … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Scottish Labour Policy Forum Stage 2 Consultation
Policy Workshops: 2026 VHS Manifesto
In preparation for next year’s Scottish parliament election, VHS is planning to publish a policy manifesto later this year. We’ve already hosted a meeting with a group of key stakeholders to help us identify the key issues and opportunities and some of the policy solutions to address these. Now we … [Read more...] about Policy Workshops: 2026 VHS Manifesto
Policy Consultation Event: Long Term Conditions Framework
A consultation event, hosted by the VHS Policy and Public Affairs Lead, to support VHS in drafting their response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the Long Term Conditions Framework. This event is aimed at VHS members and stakeholders with a particular interest in the Scottish … [Read more...] about Policy Consultation Event: Long Term Conditions Framework
Scottish Community Link Worker Network Survey – Briefing Paper
Ahead of Health, Hope and Healing, the 2025 Scottish Community Link Worker Network Annual Conference, Voluntary Health Scotland asked Network members to complete a short survey. Community Link Workers (CLWs) were asked for: Their top three reasons for referral. And the main challenge in … [Read more...] about Scottish Community Link Worker Network Survey – Briefing Paper
Ygam Blog: Raising greater awareness around gaming and gambling harms
Ygam is an award-winning charity with a mission to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms, through awareness-raising, education, and research. Since its inception in 2014, Ygam has trained over 28,000 professionals working with children and young people, … [Read more...] about Ygam Blog: Raising greater awareness around gaming and gambling harms
Rebecca’s Blog: Supporting Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Scottish Families is a national charity which supports anyone affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland, whether they are still actively using substances, are in recovery, or you are bereaved. We give information and support family members with confidence, communication, and … [Read more...] about Rebecca’s Blog: Supporting Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Key Messages: SCLWN Neurodiversity Workshop
Voluntary Health Scotland and the Scottish Community Link Worker Network hosted a workshop on Neurodiversity on the 1st of April, in partnership with Nelly Whaley, Training Manager at Salvesen Mindroom. This was in response to many Community Link Workers (CLWs) reflecting on the increase in the … [Read more...] about Key Messages: SCLWN Neurodiversity Workshop
Key Messages: Catalysts for Change- The Role of Third Sector Leaders in Health Creation
Voluntary Health Scotland at the Gathering: Catalysts for Change- The Role of Third Sector Leaders in Health Creation Voluntary Health Scotland hosted an event as part of SCVO’s two-day event, The Gathering. Our event was held on the 5th February at the EICC. We were fully booked on the day and … [Read more...] about Key Messages: Catalysts for Change- The Role of Third Sector Leaders in Health Creation
Seonaid and Joshua’s Blog: Talk Time Scotland – providing free counselling for young disabled people in Scotland
“I couldn't rate my counsellor highly enough, she was absolutely brilliant and I feel really grateful to have met her and benefited from her help and guidance. I actually cried at my last session because I had to say goodbye and she had come to be such a special person in my life.” TalkTime … [Read more...] about Seonaid and Joshua’s Blog: Talk Time Scotland – providing free counselling for young disabled people in Scotland
