As the Project Manager for the Scottish Community Link Worker Network, I hear regularly from Community Link Workers about the need for more services to address social isolation and loneliness; this is one of the main reasons that patients are referred to them by GPs. According to the National … [Read more...] about Roisin’s Blog – Celebrating Befriending Week
Sarah’s Blog: Amplifying the voices of older people to address health inequalities
As Chief Executive of LifeCare, an Edinburgh based charity supporting older people (and trustee of VHS), it should be no surprise that my blog focuses on the impact of health equalities for this group. As Scotland’s population continues to age, the sad fact is that people are likely to spend more … [Read more...] about Sarah’s Blog: Amplifying the voices of older people to address health inequalities
Kellie’s Blog: Reflections of a year at VHS
Before I started in my role as Communications and Membership Officer at Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) in October last year, it had been 5 years since I’d last worked in the voluntary sector. It has felt great to come back to the sector, it’s like receiving a lovely warm hug from an old friend! The … [Read more...] about Kellie’s Blog: Reflections of a year at VHS
Yasmin & Alex’ Blog: Addressing Health Inequalities for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers – Dignity, Fairness, and Respect
About VoiceAbility and Our Approach At VoiceAbility, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their caregivers who often encounter obstacles in accessing essential healthcare services. These challenges impact various aspects of their lives, including mobility, mental … [Read more...] about Yasmin & Alex’ Blog: Addressing Health Inequalities for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers – Dignity, Fairness, and Respect
Emma’s Blog: The voluntary sector: champions for hope and change
What’s in a name? Why are there so many different terms for the ‘voluntary sector’? It is also called the third, community, charity, or civic sector… with its actors often considered as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not-for-profits, associations, foundations, co-operatives, or even … [Read more...] about Emma’s Blog: The voluntary sector: champions for hope and change
VHS have responded to the Human Rights Bill exclusion from the Programme of Government
After signing a joint letter back in May to the First Minister, John Swinney, VHS joins many organisations who are extremely frustrated by this decision. There is helpful background information at the Human Rights Consortium Scotland. View the letter here. … [Read more...] about VHS have responded to the Human Rights Bill exclusion from the Programme of Government
VHS Response to 2024-25 Programme for Government
This week the Scottish Government announced their Programme of Government for 2024-2025. “It is reassuring that the First Minister fully understands the detrimental impact of poverty in Scotland and has shown a clear commitment to eradicate the unacceptable levels of child poverty experienced … [Read more...] about VHS Response to 2024-25 Programme for Government
Linking health and heat: Home Energy Scotland
Living in a cold damp home negatively impacts physical and mental health. Scottish Government analysis has shown that it’s 15% more likely for someone living in an energy inefficient household experiencing fuel poverty to have a long-term illness or disability than someone not in fuel poverty. It’s … [Read more...] about Linking health and heat: Home Energy Scotland
VHS welcomes incorporation of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Last week, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) Act came into force. The Act requires public authorities to take steps to ensure that their decisions and actions respect the rights of children and young people. The Scottish Government has said that it … [Read more...] about VHS welcomes incorporation of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child