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
A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
Sarah Latto, VHS Policy and Public Affairs Lead, reflects on her first three weeks in post including the publication of the Population Health Framework and the Service Renewal Framework this week. Today marks exactly three weeks since I joined Voluntary Health Scotland as the Policy and Public … [Read more...] about A momentous three weeks for health creation in Scotland
Key Messages: Public Health Scotland Strategy Consultation with VHS
On the 13th of May, Voluntary Health Scotland hosted an event with Public Health Scotland (PHS) which forms part of PHS’s ongoing consultation around the development of its new strategy. The event was chaired by Tejesh Mistry, Chief Executive of VHS with a presentation from Mark McAllister, … [Read more...] about Key Messages: Public Health Scotland Strategy Consultation with VHS
Roisin’s Blog – What Change Do We Want to See by 2035? Reflections from VHS members
By Roisin Hurst, Project Manager of the Scottish Community Link Worker Network. This week, the Scottish Parliament’s Garden Lobby was alive with conversation, hope, and a shared vision for a better future. Our event, centred around ‘Voices of Health Creation,' focussing on the question "What … [Read more...] about Roisin’s Blog – What Change Do We Want to See by 2035? Reflections from VHS members
