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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 2d

We have launched our Manifesto for Health Creation! We're calling for a prevention-first health system that puts people and communities at the heart of decision-making. We also call for health equity, and parity for the third sector. Read it at bit.ly/4nDmRAe

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 6d

Our Manifesto for Health Creation is LIVE! This was developed in consultation with our members and will inform our policy priorities well beyond next year’s Scottish Parliament election. Please read, like, share and join our movement for health creation! bit.ly/4nDmRAe

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 6d

The VHS team are launching the VHS 2026 Manifesto this morning at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh. It's going to be a great event. We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 8d

Today we submitted our response to the @natrecordsscot.bsky.social consultation on Scotland's Census 2031. The census is a rich source of data for third sector health organisations and the 2031 census should reflect the shift to prevention in health. bit.ly/4gQja7t

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 8d

Today we are delighted to publish a joint statement on prevention with @alliancescot.bsky.social, SCDC, and Edinburgh Community health Forum. The statement calls for urgent action to achieve a prevention-centred health system. vhscotland.org.uk/joint-statem...

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 13d

Just 1 week to go! We’re counting down to the launch of the VHS 2026 Manifesto next Thursday October 2nd at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh. Developed through wide consultation with our members, the Manifesto reflects the real voices and priorities of the sector.

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 14d

Have your say on chronic pain care in Scotland. VHS is hosting an online consultation event on 7th October, 2–3.30pm via Teams to gather views from our members and stakeholders. Book your space at tinyurl.com/4ac76szt

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 27d

**Guest Blog** Read Emilie's Blog: Research into Social Prescribing: What’s the Story So Far? tinyurl.com/msh4ych3

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · 28d

The VHS September e-Newsletter is out. Packed with all our events, member news and updates. Read it at
tinyurl.com/j6uecpwd

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Sep 8

Invitation: Demystifying the Disclosure Act-VHS Online Event, Oct 1st, 10am. New rules under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act affect those working with children/protected adults. Join our online workshop to find out more & get your questions answered. Book at tinyurl.com/38s4836e

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Sep 4

**VHS Guest Blog** In the lead up to the Scottish Vision Strategy Conference on September 17th, VHS member Laura Jones from RNIB shares her blog about the importance of putting accessibility at the heart of eye care. #SVS2025

Read it at tinyurl.com/4uzyhz54

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Sep 4

**Early Bird offer ending tomorrow**. Secure your spot at the VHS Annual Conference 'Collaboration for Change' & save £15 with discount code EARLYBIRD. Ends September 5th! Book at tinyurl.com/mv8vj8maConf...

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Sep 3

Secure your spot at the VHS Annual Conference & save £15 with discount code EARLYBIRD. Offer ends September 5. Book at tinyurl.com/mv8vj8ma
Just some of our speakers include Professor Devi Sridhar, Chair of Global Public Health @uoe-sps.bsky.social & Manira Ahmad, @publichealthscot.bsky.social

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Sep 2

Today, @natrecordsscot.bsky.social published data showing that drug related deaths in Scotland have fallen by 13%. Read the response from our Policy and Public Affairs Lead, Sarah Latto: bit.ly/3HP2IYf

Graphic featuring a picture of Sarah Latto, VHS Policy and Public Affairs Lead, and this quote from her statement: "The figures published today showing a 13% fall in deaths caused by drug misuse in Scotland in 2024 are a step in the right direction. However, they are not cause for celebration."

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Aug 28

Invitation: Demystifying the Disclosure Act-VHS Online Event, Oct 1st, 10am. New rules under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act affect those working with children/protected adults. Join our online workshop to find out more & get your questions answered. Book at tinyurl.com/38s4836e

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Aug 27

Bookings Open! VHS Annual Conference ‘Collaboration for Change’, October 28th 2025. Book & save £15 (code EARLYBIRD). A thought-provoking event which will bring together voices from the third sector, public sector, academia, policymakers & communities. Book at tinyurl.com/mv8vj8ma

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Aug 25

Last week we submitted our response to the Public Health Scotland call for views on their Strategy for 2025 to 2035. This call for views is still open until Friday 29th August. Read a summary and our full response at this link: bit.ly/4n2R6zS

PHS have committed to engaging meaningfully with the third sector in the design and implementation of this strategy, which is welcome. However, the key message from our members is that the PHS strategy must explicitly state how they will champion and support the third sector as an equal partner in the realisation of public health ambitions.

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Aug 18

On 17th August we joined 240 organisations in signing this open letter to the First Minister, led by
@alliancescot.bsky.social and @ccpscotland.bsky.social, detailing the action needed to avert a health and social care crisis in Scotland. Our CE, @tejeshm.bsky.social, shares why: bit.ly/3HvHsXm

A graphic sharing a picture of our CE, Tejesh Mistry, and sharing this quote: "We’ll keep highlighting how vital the third sector is in our health system and wholeheartedly support colleagues as signatories of this open letter. We - collectively - cannot afford for third sector organisations, staff and volunteers to not be supported to meet the needs of our communities across Scotland. Without this work, health inequalities will keep growing, and we won't deliver the vision recently set out for population health."

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Aug 15

Today we published our response to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee call for views on mental health spending. We explore the disconnect between national policy and spending decisions, and reflect on the vital role of the 3rd sector in mental health data and delivery. bit.ly/41u86GX

A graphic sharing a quote from the VHS response: 'it is clear from consultation with our members that current spend on mental health services is insufficient, inefficient and overly-complex. This has led to a disconnect between national policy and spending decisions at both a local and national level.'

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Aug 12

Our August e-Newsletter is out. Read all about our latest news, policy updates and events for 2025 at vhscotland.org.uk/vhs-august-e...

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Aug 11

Great to hear Devi Sridhar speak today at the Edinburgh International Book Festival for our VHS team outing. Chaired by Isabel Hardman it was a fascinating session on health and wellbeing, politics and society and interesting to hear ideas of designing society to keep people healthy.

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Jul 29

VHS membership is FREE. If your organisation is interested in improving health inequalities in Scotland and want to join our collective voice and be part of dynamic and engaging community who want to make a difference why not join us?

Apply now at vhscotland.org.uk/join-vhs/

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Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Jul 24

Join the Scottish Community Link Worker Network, VHS & Audit Scotland at our online event on August 21, 2pm to explore the recent report which focuses on Primary Care pressures and impact for health inequalities and third sector partners. Find out more and book at tinyurl.com/kw3yvakf

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Jul 23

**Policy Event** We're responding to the Scottish Parliament's Health, Social Care and Sport Committee pre-budget scrutiny into mental health spend and are keen to hear from our members! Sign up for our consultation event on 31st July. tinyurl.com/8re79dpz

Voluntary Health Scotland @vhscotland.bsky.social · Jul 22

**Member visit** A great afternoon hosting VHS member SIMBA Charity and finding out more about their crucial work supporting families across Scotland who have lost a baby. We heard about their strategy and about the thought and care that goes into their beautiful memory boxes.