Today we published a policy briefing exploring the vital role of the third sector in preventative health. This briefing reflects the insights and experiences shared by VHS members, and builds upon joint statements published alongside The Health and Social Care Alliance (The ALLIANCE), Scottish Community Development Centre, Edinburgh Community Health Forum, and Volunteer Scotland.
The importance of prevention in supporting the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s people is not new – third sector organisations have been delivering preventative health interventions for decades, and Dr Campbell Christie stressed the urgent importance of shifting to prevention in the delivery of public services in his commission over 15 years ago.
However, we have seen an increased policy focus on prevention in recent years with the publication of the Population Health Framework, the Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework, and more recently in the Programme for Government 2026-2031. This policy shift prompted the publication last September of our first Joint Statement on Prevention, and more recent policy developments led to our updated joint statement earlier this month.
In a period of considerable upheaval in how health services are delivered in Scotland, it is vital that the contribution of the third sector is acknowledged by those in positions of power. We are proud to be one of many voices advocating for the role of third and community organisations in the shift to prevention in Scotland’s health system.
This policy briefing complements recent joint publications, and will be shared with elected representatives and other key policy stakeholders in the coming days and weeks. Please do share with your networks and policy contacts, and help us to spread the word about the vital role of the third sector in creating health and preventing ill health.
