We’re thrilled to announce an exciting change at Voluntary Health Scotland — our membership is now completely free for third sector organisations. This move is rooted in our ongoing commitment to listening and responding to the needs of our members, particularly during these challenging times for the third sector.
For years, VHS has kept membership fees modest, ensuring accessibility to as many organisations as possible. However, through conversations with our members, it became clear that even small fees can be a barrier — and that’s a barrier we’re determined to remove. By moving to a free membership model, we hope to open our doors even wider, welcoming more organisations into our community and strengthening our collective voice.
This change comes at a particularly exciting time for VHS as we finalise our new strategy. Our members’ views have been, and will continue to be, a driving force in shaping this vision. We talk often about the importance of person-centred and responsive approaches in health — and it’s vital that we embed these principles in our own work. Moving to free membership is just one step in ensuring that we practice what we preach, removing obstacles and creating opportunities for more organisations to engage, collaborate, and thrive.
We will continue to focus on amplifying the power of our collective voice, demonstrating the crucial role the third sector plays in Scotland’s health landscape. As catalysts for change, we will continue to push boundaries and lead the way toward a more collaborative and inclusive health system. This was the title for our recent event – you can read the key messages here.
Bringing people together has always been at the heart of what we do. We foster impactful partnerships with key stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots organisations, and we welcome ‘unusual friends’ to the table. By providing a powerful platform for the third sector, we want to ensure that it receives the recognition and support it deserves. The health system cannot thrive without us — and we’re here to make sure that message is heard loud and clear.
Many of our members work at the very heart of communities, tackling health inequalities and addressing the issues that matter most. This on-the-ground insight gives us a unique perspective and the ability to lead on issues where others can’t.
By joining VHS, you’re not just becoming part of an organisation — you’re joining a movement. A movement dedicated to health creation, collaboration, and lasting change. Together, we innovate, advocate, and amplify each other’s impact, tackling Scotland’s health challenges head-on.
Now is the time to add your voice. Become part of the health creation movement and help us shape a healthier, fairer future for Scotland.
Join us today — for free — and let’s work together.
