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 are delighted that @scotgov has pledged to develop a formal agreement with the third sector. This commitment reflects calls for third sector parity detailed in our Manifesto for Health Creation launched in October 2025. Full response here: bit.ly/3MkKoZc

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 - your contributions strengthen our community and play a vital role in everything we do. If you're not yet a member, join us: bit.ly/4a49wet

At VHS, we are thrilled, but not surprised, to see health equity and the shift to prevention as central pillars of the Public Health Scotland 10-year strategy published this week. Read our full response here: bit.ly/49XLxh2

In our response to the @scotgov Budget and Spending Review, we welcome commitments regarding prevention and health creation. However the lack of reference to the third sector in spending plans related to health and social care is frustrating. Read more: bit.ly/4qnVhbv

Our Policy and Public Affairs Lead, Sarah Latto, has written a blog reflecting on the importance of a shift to prevention for long-term third sector sustainability. Read more here: bit.ly/4stOiiG

Will a shift to prevention heal Scotland’s third sector?  Sarah Latto of @VHSComms asks if a shift to prevention in public services is the long-term cure that we need okt.to/c0du6F

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!

We are grateful to @brianwhittle for his questions to the Cab Sec for Health and Social Care in PQs yesterday about the role of the 3rd sector in NHS sustainability. The Cab Sec acknowledged the 'essential role' of the sector, and the need for 'stability'. bit.ly/491qMAw

Following the publication of the @AuditScotland 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 @scotgov 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

It was great to meet @JeremyRBalfour today to share the key asks of our Manifesto for Health Creation. Jeremy was keen to hear examples of the vital role played by third sector health organisations addressing health inequalities in Edinburgh and Lothians. bit.ly/3McEFUH

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 carers' right to health by removing barriers and improving support. bit.ly/3McEFUH

TFN is @scvotweet's magazine for the #VoluntarySector  On this month's opinion pages: Christine Carlin, chair of @VHSComms, looks for the light in November’s dark days…  Available for all to read and share here: okt.to/LxokRK

**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 now 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