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
An Evening Conversation Towards Living Well with Dementia
VHS, the Open University in Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland are pleased to invite you to our joint event: “A Brighter Path: Living well with Dementia in Dumfries and Galloway”. Hear from leading speakers in the dementia field, with opportunities for questions, networking and … [Read more...] about An Evening Conversation Towards Living Well with Dementia
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.*** The Scottish Community Link Worker Network is working with award-winning charity … [Read more...] about SCLWN- Gaming and Gambling Harm Prevention Training
Key Messages: Missingness in Healthcare
VHS hosted an engagement event on 26 March with Andrea Williamson, Professor of General Practice and Inclusion Health at the University of Glasgow. This event followed on from a presentation Andrea delivered at our 2024 Annual Conference, about her work on missingness. Her work aims to understand … [Read more...] about Key Messages: Missingness in Healthcare
