On 2nd October, we launched our Manifesto for Health Creation at an event held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Over 40 members and stakeholders joined us to hear more about the manifesto asks. We also heard from a VHS member - Sarah Pryde-Smith from Simba - about why they engaged in the … [Read more...] about VHS Manifesto for Health Creation
VHS Consultation Response: Scotland’s Census 2031
On 30th September we submitted our response to the National Records of Scotland consultation regarding the 2031 Census. At VHS, we regularly hear from our members that they are unable to access the data they need to support their work. Often, data is not available to reflect the health needs of … [Read more...] about VHS Consultation Response: Scotland’s Census 2031
SCLWN: Gaming and Gambling Harm Prevention Training
***This event is aimed specifically at Community Link Workers who are working directly within a primary care setting in Scotland. Managers/Programme Leads for Community Link Workers are also welcome to attend.*** Following a successful training event in June, The Scottish Community Link Worker … [Read more...] about SCLWN: Gaming and Gambling Harm Prevention Training
VHS Statement: decrease in drug misuse deaths in Scotland
The figures published today showing a 13% fall in deaths caused by drug misuse in Scotland in 2024 are a step in the right direction. However, they are not cause for celebration. Similar figures for 2023 saw a 12% rise in deaths caused by drug misuse. Progress is precarious and we will not know … [Read more...] about VHS Statement: decrease in drug misuse deaths in Scotland
VHS Response: Public Health Scotland Strategy
On Friday 22nd August we submitted our response to the call for views on Public Health Scotland's (PHS) Strategy from 2025-2035. The closing date for responses is Friday 29th August, and responses should be sent to phs.strategicdevelopment@phs.scot. In our response, we largely reflect on the Key … [Read more...] about VHS Response: Public Health Scotland Strategy
VHS Policy Consultation Event – Mental Health Spending
This VHS interactive consultation event will provide information about the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee's pre-budget scrutiny consultation on mental health spending. There will then be an opportunity for attendees to discuss the consultation which will inform the VHS response. This … [Read more...] about VHS Policy Consultation Event – Mental Health Spending
VHS Response: Pathways to Work Consultation
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
Response: Medium Term Financial Strategy
The Scottish Government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, published on the 25th June, does not provide the concrete commitment required regarding health spending on prevention. The Population Health Framework, the Health & Social Care Service Renewal Framework and the Public Service Reform … [Read more...] about Response: Medium Term Financial Strategy
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
