Scotland’s health is improving, but the gap in health outcomes between the most and least advantaged groups in society is widening. We call this gap health inequalities. Voluntary health organisations describe this as ‘getting sick more and dying earlier’ than necessary.
Health inequalities are the ‘systematic differences in the health of people occupying unequal positions in society’. They are strongly associated with socio-economic inequalities but can also result from discrimination. Health inequalities are unfair, not inevitable, and must be tackled.
VHS works with government and stakeholders to support voluntary organisations to understand the causes and impact of health inequalities. We promote our sector’s knowledge and contribution to tackling health inequalities, through events and publications including Living in the Gap, the definitive Scottish study on the voluntary sector’s approach to this.
VHS is Secretariat to the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities. To attend future CPG meetings contact Lauren Blair for more information.
More information on our Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities can be viewed here.
Useful resources
Scottish Parliament – Inquiry into Health Inequalities
Public Health Scotland – Health Inequalities
LIVING IN THE GAP REPORT MARCH 2015
LIVING IN THE GAP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY MARCH 2015
LIVING IN THE GAP POSTER JUNE 2015
Related News and Blogs
Norman’s blog: Human Rights in Medicine – Myth and Reality
22/01/2018
A conference on human rights i …
Scottish Government draft strategy launched: A Connected Scotland
17/01/2018
The Scottish Government have p …
Julie’s blog: Calling Time on Alcohol and Ageism
10/01/2018
Julie discusses the barriers and stigma shown towards older people with alcohol problems and argues that with the right support is in place people are motivated to make positive changes.
“What can arts and culture do for health inequalities?” Developing a Culture Strategy for Scotland
19/12/2017
The Scottish Government is wor …
Margaret’s Blog: What can arts and culture do for health inequalities?
11/12/2017
What are the health benefits o …
