Voluntary Health Scotland

Join VHS and The ALLIANCE on March 31st for our Joint Hustings event!

Hear representatives share their Party’s approaches for addressing health inequalities and safeguarding the important role of the third sector.

Sign up now! bit.ly/4tHkFLv

With the Scottish Parliament election rapidly approaching, we've developed a handy Election 2026 Toolkit!

You'll find social media graphics, letter templates, and links to ensure you're campaigning safely and legally.

Check it out! bit.ly/4kGvkSi

We're so proud to share our 2025 Impact Report! We had a busy year and a big thank you is due to all of our members - We couldn't do it without you!

If you’re not yet a member, come be a part of the movement for health creation in Scotland.

Join us: bit.ly/4a49wet

After a busy year of events and engagement we're wrapping up for the holidays here at VHS. Thanks to all our members and stakeholders for your support this year.

We will be closed from Friday 19th December until Monday 5th January. Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

A graphic sharing this quote from the VHS Reflections: 'The Auditor General’s report provides a stark reminder to Scotland’s policymakers that the time for meaningful change is now. Voluntary Health Scotland will continue to work with key partners to drive the shift to prevention in Scotland’s health system.'

Following the publication of the @auditscotland.bsky.social 2025 report into NHS Scotland finance and performance last week, we have reflected on the urgent need for a shift to prevention in Scotland's health service. Read our full reflections here: bit.ly/4rLIcK6

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness has launched a manifesto, signed by VHS, calling on the next Scottish Government to make tackling loneliness a national priority. Read more here: bit.ly/4izC6s5

Today we submitted our response to the Scottish Government consultation on a new NHS Delivery Organisation. We welcome the commitment to systemic change, but reflect on how the proposed new body should reinforce commitments to prevention and health equity. Read more: bit.ly/43QEgxm

Today we have published a statement in response to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry report published last week, reflecting on calls in the report for better data on health inequalities - a key ask in our Manifesto for Health Creation. Read our statement here: bit.ly/3Kkst3E

An image of the front cover of the VHS Manifesto for Health Creation, and this ask from the manifesto: ‘Address unpaid carer health inequalities and protect their right to health by improving their access to health checks, mental health support, breaks and respite.’

Unpaid carers in Scotland experience significant health inequalities. This Carers Rights Day, we want to showcase the ask in our Manifesto for Health Creation to protect the right to health of carers by removing barriers and improving support. bit.ly/3McEFUH

**VHS AGM Event**
Join us as we showcase third sector organisations as a unique and under-utilised source of health data at our Online AGM event on November 27th. Everything you need to know about the VHS AGM is available on our website at tinyurl.com/mpb42h65

The November VHS e-Newsletter is out now! Packed with all our news, events and member updates. Read it at tinyurl.com/wpkyj9d2

Applications Close Today! VHS is seeking two passionate individuals to join our Board. If you're ready to help shape a healthier Scotland & make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. Elections will take place at our AGM on 27 November. Apply at tinyurl.com/34mdtpcr

VHS Online Event-Insight to Impact:Third Sector Data as a Catalyst for Change. Join us at our AGM event, November 27th at 10 am, as we spotlight the third sector as a powerful, yet under-utilised source of health data. This event will include a short AGM meeting. Visit tinyurl.com/y4kt97zs

**Applications Close November 5th** VHS is looking for two new trustees to join our Board, with elections taking place at our AGM on 27 November 2025. If you'd like to make a meaningful impact and help shape a healthier Scotland, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more tinyurl.com/34mdtpcr

To celebrate befriending week, VHS is pleased to share a member blog from @befriending.co.uk CEO Susan Hunter. Susan's blog highlights the critical role of befriending in health creation through prevention, early intervention, and meaningful social connection. Read it at tinyurl.com/4zbu2c7e

A graphic sharing the title of the consultation, and a quote from the VHS response: 'There is clear evidence that self-management approaches recommended by Community Link Workers are important for improving quality of life for people living with a range of health conditions, including chronic pain.’

@bsky.app Today we published our response to the
Scottish Government consultation on quality prescribing for chronic pain, focusing specifically on the benefits of social prescribing for treating chronic pain. Read more here: vhscotland.org.uk/vhs-response...

Pleased to share the results of our Scottish Community Link Worker Network 2025 survey. Some really interesting findings about the vital role of CLWs in Scotland. View more at tinyurl.com/yc48e3hx

Colourful logos of VHS and Public Health Scotland. Wording 'poster Winner Announcement '

Congratulations to @alliancescot.bsky.social the winner of the VHS Annual Poster Competition 2025. View their winning poster and all the fantastic entries at vhscotland.org.uk/vhs-poster-c...

#VHSConf25

A fantastic post lunch energiser from VHS member Weekday Wow. What a way to get moving after lunch and networking. #VHSConf25 #CollaborationForChange Thanks for supporting our Annual Conference in Glasgow today.

"The key to collaborative working is making everyone feel like they are winning."

A fascinating session with Prof. Devi Sridhar at #VHSConf25. Thanks for supporting our Annual Conference "Collaboration for Change"

@uoe-sps.bsky.social @tejeshm.bsky.social

Delighted to welcome @publichealthscot.bsky.social as our Collaboration Partner for #VHSConf25. Thanks for supporting our event.
#CollaborationForChange. It's been a fantastic day so far.

Excited to see all the brilliant posters on display for our Annual Conference Poster Competition at #VHSConf25. Don't forget to vote!

It's buzzing in our Health Creation Hub at #VHSConf25 in Glasgow. Some brilliant organisations showcasing their services. Drop by and say hi.

The VHS team can't wait to welcome everyone to #VHSConf25. It's going to be a great day! See you soon.

Another great read from VHS Chair Christine Carlin on the importance of accessible transport for all. #AccessibleTravel #healthinequalities

Exhibitor Spotlight. In her blog, Emma Abbott from
Charity Finance Group shares her insights from a recent partnership between the charity sector and major UK banks, highlighting what it takes to move from conversation to meaningful collaboration. Read it at tinyurl.com/mrxdz47s

Bright coloured logos for Collaboration for Change, VHS, Public Health Scotland and goodmoves. Words 'Health Creation Hub Exhibitor spotlight'

VHS are pleased to showcase some fantastic exhibitors to the Health Creation Hub at our Annual Conference tomorrow, including Goodmoves. Read Mairi's Blog about communicating outside the 'third sector bubble' tinyurl.com/4jr85c55 @goodmovesjobs.bsky.social @scvo.scot

VHS is looking forward to welcoming everyone to our Annual Conference 'Collaboration for Change' tomorrow in Glasgow. We have some fantastic exhibitors at our first ever Health Creation Hub. Make sure you stop by and say hi! It's going to be a great day.

Alongside our many members, Voluntary Health Scotland supports the Scotland Demands Better campaign, led by @povertyalliance.org, Saturday is going to be a landmark day. #ScotlandDemandsBetter

Delighted to share 'Pauline's Blog: Innovation at PHS – Turning Ambition into Action for a Healthier Scotland'. Please pop by and say hi to the @publichealthscot.bsky.social team next Tuesday at our Health Creation Hub at #VHSConf25
tinyurl.com/5dat55tw