Welcome to our December 2020 E-bulletin: sharing news & views from the VHS network & updates from Scottish Government & the NHS affecting the voluntary health sector.
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VHS News & Events

#WeArePublicHealth: Conference Key Messages
Thank you to all our speakers, exhibitors and poster presenters for making the first virtual  VHS Annual Conference: #WeArePublicHealth : Building Forward for Health & Wellbeing a fantastic event. The focus of the event was how we continue to live with the COVID-19 pandemic and how we ensure that our experience and learning are what shapes the future for health and wellbeing, the right to health, and health inequalities. If you didn't attend there still a chance to view the presentations from the day and the poster entrants, including the winning entry from Breast Buddies. Conference Key Messages will be posted soon.

Read reflections on the conference from the VHS Chair, Allyson McCollam and Chief Executive, Claire Stevens. 

Renewing Scotland’s full potential in a digital world: consultation response
Join us online on the 3 December to focus on the Scottish Government’s consultation on ‘Renewing Scotland’s Full Potential in a Digital World‘ which is seeking views on a new digital strategy for Scotland that will reflect the changing digital world in which we live and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This event is an opportunity to help shape VHS’s response to the consultation around our members and partners experience. The deadline for responses is 23 Dec 2020.

Ageing Well: 6th Talk with the Open University: Standing Tall
This talk on 8 December will explore age-related postural alignment changes affecting postural stability and balance, and ways to compensate for ‘gravity of ageing’.

View presentations from previous talks from this Open University / VHS  joint series  exploring ‘Ageing Well’ here.

Covid-19 Research: Impact on Communities & Priorities for Recovery
Join us on the 16 December, 2 - 3.30pm to hear from the Scottish Government Covid-19 Modelling and Analysis Hub researchers on the key findings of their recent research report: Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on communities and priorities for recovery - research, conducted with various organisations across Scotland to understand concerns, opportunities and wider experiences related to the coronavirus pandemic. The event will provide an opportunity to explore the research and consider the implications for people’s future health and wellbeing, for social renewal and the reshaping of services. As 2020 comes to a close, how can research help inform next steps for voluntary health organisations, NHS boards and health and social care partnerships?

Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities: 26 January 2021
Join us for the Health Inequalities CPG January meeting online via Zoom and chaired by Group Co-Convenor Donald Cameron MSP.

Tackling physical inactivity is more important than ever say leading health charities
VHS has joined with fifteen leading health charities to form a new coalition to increase physical activity levels of people living with long term conditions. Under the banner of Movement for Health and led by the charity Paths for All the new coalition focuses on the role of physical activity in preventing many common diseases and improving the health and wellbeing of people living with health conditions.

COVID-19 News

Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on communities and priorities for recovery - research
Evidence from Scottish Government consultation based research about changes to organisations’ work during the pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on a range of themes including economic security, social interactions and loneliness, community cohesion, safety, trust in government, and skills, learning and development.

Helping families get online: New kit and training to tackle digital exclusion
Connecting Scotland has launched round 2 of the second phase of their digital inclusion programme. This phase aims to help care leavers on low incomes, households with children and pregnant mothers.  The programme has already distributed millions of pounds worth of devices, data, skills training and technical support to people on low incomes who were without an internet connection. The programme is delivered by SCVO, in partnership with Scottish Government, all 32 local authorities and hundreds of local third sector organisations.  Applications are open until 18th January 2021.

Caring for the Carer Fund
Launched by the Life Changes Trust in recognition of the immense pressure that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, and associated restrictive measures, have placed on the unpaid carers of people living with dementia. Deadline: 22 January 2021

What happens when a Test and Protect Contract Tracer calls you? 
The Contact Tracing Video Explainer film and translated transcripts are available in multiple languages on the NHS Inform website. The Scottish Government has also developed some shorter clips of the film for sharing on social media: Download the videos and social media assets via WeTransfer here  (30 MB file). The resources explain:

• What is a close contact (and what it’s not)
• How to know if a call from a contact tracer is genuine
• Pick up the call if you see the number 0800 030 8012 on your phone

Scotland in Lockdown
 'Scotland in Lockdown' is a project exploring how lockdown impacts on people in Scotland who may already have been isolated or excluded prior to the pandemic. Two recent reports that have been produced focus on mental health in Scottish prisons during lockdown and findings from interviews with third sector practitioners supporting survivors of domestic abuse. 

Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF): analysis of applications and wards
This report provides an analysis of the data from applications to the TSRF and the awards made through the fund. The TSRF was open from March to September 2020 to provide emergency funding for third sector organisations (TSOs) in Scotland which had been affected financially by the inability to generate their usual levels of income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown restrictions. 

Wellbeing Fund: analysis of awards
This report provides an analysis of the data on applications and awards made through the Wellbeing Fund Open Application Process and the Small Grants Fund. These funds were part of the Scottish Government's initial 350 million overall package of funding support to communities, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Carnegie report: Race Inequality in the Workforce
The impact of Covid-19 has affected specific groups of workers more than others and this Carnegie UK Trust Report, explores the specific impact that the pandemic has had on Black and ethnic minority workers, demonstrating the ways in which they face a range of additional risks during the economic downturn, in terms of both loss of employment and poorer quality work. This report complements Good Work for Wellbeing in the Coronavirus Economy a report which seeks to understand how we can ensure the best possible jobs recovery and achieve good work for all in the coronavirus economy.

How has Covid-19 impacted on care and support at home in Scotland?
The Health & Sport Committee has published this summary report of the results from its survey of those who receive, or provide, care and support at home, as part of the social care inquiry.  A recurring theme is the reduction of care as a result of the pandemic, with 54% of recipients of home care seeing their care either reduced or stopped completely. The report also notes the need for further recognition and support for unpaid carers.

No direct evidence of transmission in schools playing a role in driving infection rates
The COVID-19 Advisory Sub-Group on Education & Children’s Issues has released a summary report of the evidence on children, schools, early learning and childcare settings and the transmission of COVID-19.  The report finds no direct evidence transmission within schools played a significant role in driving increased rates of infection among children. It also claimed closing schools would present a serious risk of harm to the wellbeing of children and young people, particularly those that are vulnerable. 

How coronavirus has affected equality and human rights
This Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Report summarises evidence to understand the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on different groups in society. 

DNAR Use
Age Scotland has voiced concerns over the use of Do Not Resuscitate (DNAR) orders when older people are receiving hospital treatment. In the initial stages of the pandemic, Age Scotland received a number of examples from family members whose older relatives were allegedly forced to sign a DNAR, despite lacking the mental capacity to do so.

Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead
This research report from The Carnegie UK Trust sought to capture the role that public library services and their staff played during lockdown; the barriers faced in delivering services during lockdown; the role public library services and their staff can play in supporting individuals and communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown; and what needs to change to enable public library services to continue to deliver at their full potential in service of their communities. 

Policy Exchange releases report on need for health improvement as a result of pandemic
The Report Saving a lost decade: How a new deal for public health can help build a healthier nation highlights the need for wider action to address UK health improvement and prevention as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising rates of obesity, increasing health inequality and stalling life expectancy.

Manifesto for Change
The TSI Network Scotland has published, its Manifesto for Change that outlines the third sector’s role in supporting the recovery from the impact of the Covid pandemic on communities across the country. The manifesto sets out its objective to create a fairer, wellbeing society and which also tackles the climate emergency. 

Face Covering Exemption Card Scotland
The Scottish Government have created a website to access Face Covering Exemption Card Scotland. There are situations where some people are unable to, or it would be inappropriate for them, to wear a face covering. 

Clear your head
This site contains a variety of resources and tips to help people take care of their mental health and wellbeing.

Policy News

A Consultation on the Digital Strategy for Scotland
The Scottish Government and COSLA are aiming to produce a digital strategy update that reflects the ever-changing digital landscape and puts people at the forefront of digital development in Scotland.  The consultation will close on the 23rd December.

UK consultation on banning online advertising of unhealthy foods
The UK Government has launched a consultation on proposals to ban online adverts for foods high in fat, sugar and salt in the UK. The areas being consulted on include: advertising, compliance and enforcement. The consultation is open until 22 Dec 2020.

Revision of the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland​
The revised National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland will replace the current National Guidance published in 2014. Scottish Government would like to hear your views on the tone, level of detail and approach in the revised guidance, in particular in relation to the description of new or significant aspects, and whether there are any omissions or issues that have not been adequately addressed. The final revised National Guidance will be published online in spring 2021.The consultation will close on 17 January 2021.

Health Policy Officers Network
The HPON is a peer group of health policy officers jointly administered by VHS and RNIB Scotland. The network is for small to medium sized third sector organisations and Members come together to discuss health related policy issues and consultations, to share intelligence, and build their policy skills and confidence. To join the HPON or find out about future meetings email, Policy Engagement Officer.  

VHS Members' News & Events

Cycling Friendly Employer
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen rates of people cycling increase dramatically, as people chose a healthy and sustainable way to get from A to B and for essential exercise. Cycling Scotland, the nation’s cycling organisation, runs the Cycling Friendly programme, supporting workplaces make it easier and more accessible for staff to cycle. Over 200 organisations this year are working towards becoming Cycling Friendly, find out how you can get the wheels in motion here.

Organ donation law changes: Submit your questions
The law around organ and tissue donation in Scotland is changing to an opt out system from 26 March 2021. To find out more visit organdonationscotland.org . The ALLIANCE are interviewing the Regional Manager of NHS Organ Donation Services (to be shared on YouTube and across social media) and invites you to submit your questions about the law change to the ALLIANCE by 11 Dec 2020.

Be Kind, Reach Out and Coorie In
This Eden Community Projects campaign is all about how we look after ourselves, our communities and each other: encouraging everyone to keep offering help to their friends and neighbours, but also to make sure they ask for it for themselves. There's suggestions for winter acts of kindness, signposting to resources on mental health and self care. The website has resources, suggestions and signposting to services that can offer support, so share the campaign with your staff and volunteers.

Lonely and left behind: tackling loneliness at a time of crisis
This British Red Cross report calls on governments across the UK to renew their commitment to tackling loneliness this winter.The Report offers a detailed study of the impact coronavirus is having on people’s loneliness through an in-depth exploration of the experiences of 16 people who had recently been, or were continuing to shield and isolate, as well as through nationally representative polling. The findings offer a glimpse of what might work to tackle loneliness as we head into an inevitably difficult winter. 

Common Ground Against Homelessness
Helen Carlin, Chief Executive of Edinburgh-based homelessness charity, Rowan Alba, founded Common Ground Again Homelessness (CGAH), a project to buy properties for those most in need of housing. In September, CGAH launched a community share offer to raise funds and to-date the project has raised over £700,000  to buy and convert a building in Edinburgh into a nine-bedroom home for life, for homeless men in the city. The share offer closes at the end of December and CGAH aim to open the home in Spring 2021.

ASH Scotland Tackle Plastic Pollution
Nearly 3.65 billion plastic cigarette butts are smoked in Scotland every year and crucially they do not benefit health but rather act to make smoke smoother and more palatable. Scottish Government is currently consulting on introducing restrictions to single-use plastic items, but cigarette butts are not amongst the items being considered for a ban.  ASH think this is a missed opportunity to tackle the issue - if you agree, please respond to the consultation. For help with what to say: here and here.  Closing date: 4 January 2021

Bridgend Farmhouse: supporting communities through the pandemic & beyond
The team at Bridgend Farmhouse, a community space in Edinburgh which brings people together to develop their skills and to spend time outdoors, reflect on their achievements in three key areas: food insecurity, active travel and combating isolation in their community since March 2020 and the suspension of their on-site activities.

Communication for All
deafscotland are campaigning to make Scotland the first Inclusive Communication Nation, raising awareness of communication poverty and communication deficit. Too many deaf people across the four pillars of deafness do not have the same access to information, goods and services as hearing people do because their language and communication support needs are not met by service providers. You can support the campaign here .

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) 2021
The SMHAF, will take place 3 - 23 May 2021 with a programme exploring the theme of ‘Normality?’ - inspired by a wave of media stories referring to ‘the new normal’ or ‘returning to normal’ and a desire to challenge the value judgements often associated with use of this word. What if the ‘old normal’ was damaging your mental health? Or what if being isolated and unable to work was always ‘normal’ to you because of anxiety, illness or disability? Normality? is also the theme for the Festival writing competition, which launched this week in partnership with Bipolar Scotland.

Other News

Supporting patients with communication needs
Public Health Scotland has published new resources to support better communication for patients and carers.

1.  NHS Scotland Interpreting, Communications Support and Translation National Policy provides guidance on responsibilities to patients and carers who require support from interpreting or translation services. 
2. NHS Scotland Competency Framework for Interpreting offers clear and precise guidance for NHS staff and interpreting providers to ensure interpreters are supplying safe, effective, high-quality services as patient’s progress through their care pathway. 
3. Working with British Sign Language (BSL) users in primary care aims to improve awareness among GP practice staff of issues faced by BSL users within primary care to ensure equal access to GP services for deaf and hearing populations.

Online health advice for BSL users, including information on COVID-19, is available on the BSL pages of NHS Inform and further information on the BSL Health Improvement plan in BSL is available here .

Oxfam Scotland: Care, Climate and Covid-19: Building a Wellbeing Economy for Scotland
This new Oxfam Scotland report sets out a vision of a Scotland, and a world, without poverty and with a stronger focus on all forms of care work and those who provide it. It says that care is systemically under-valued and too many people, particularly women who provide most care, are trapped in poverty as a result. It recommends that we build on the surge in public and political solidarity for those with caring responsibilities and introduce a new National Outcome on valuing and investing in all forms of care–  paid and unpaid. The outcome would build on the views and expertise of those who provide care and civil society organisations and would help lock-in the lessons from COVID-19 and deliver meaningful and measurable change. It must be accompanied by actions to help paid and unpaid carers escape poverty, now and permanently.  

Transforming Relationships: Link Up Annual Report 2019-20
Link Up is Inspiring Scotland’s community development and wellbeing programme, active since 2012 and operational in 9 communities across Scotland. It’s proven to offer a powerful place-based and asset-based approach to enable a culture for change and address Scotland’s communities and health priorities. Combining stories of individual and community renewal the report provides rich insights into the power of relationships and skilled workers’ practice in enabling individual and community transformation.

Over 50s Alcohol Helpline
The Drink Wise, Age Well frontline services  came to an end in March 2020 and since then We are With You have grown increasingly concerned about older adults who may be drinking more due to lockdown. In response they have launched an over 50s Alcohol Helpline supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.

 The third sector’s perception and awareness of Speech, Language and Communication Needs in young offenders: survey
A final year student at Queen Margaret University is undertaking a research project which focuses on the Scottish third sector organisation workers' and volunteers' perception and awareness of Speech, Language and Communication Needs in young offenders. They would highly appreciate if you could take 15 minutes to complete the survey. The survey will close on the 11 December 2020.

Robbie’s Blog: Atlas Pandemica – Maps to a Kinder World
Dumfries and Galloway has a vibrant creative culture and the Atlas Pandemica  project seeks to use this to explore and respond to the informal community networks of care that have recently grown in the gaps between the more traditional institutions in the region, to navigate a way forward into a more hopeful future.

TFN Guide to running a charity or social enterprise
Experts from across the sector look at how we work in the face of the pandemic – and offer all sorts of advice for a range of related topics, from home working, to Zoom meetings, to looking after mental health.

Wellcome Photography Prize
This year the competition is exploring the human side of three urgent health challenges: mental health problems, infectious diseases and global heating. You have until midnight on 18 January 2021 to enter. 

Scottish Government news
Second phase of flu vaccine
Eliminating HIV transmission by 2030
Winter support fund for families and children
Testing expansion update
Guidance for students returning home
Cautious approach to Christmas
COVID-19 vaccines update
Updated COVID-19 protection levels supported
Children and young people’s mental health
Helping families get online
Supporting those who receive and provide social care
Protect Scotland app compatible with English and Welsh app
Better outcomes for stroke patients
Supporting each other during winter
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in schools​
Protecting patients with the greatest need
£1m fund to keep care home residents connected
Funding to prevent destitution during Covid-19
Child Disability Payment to be introduced next summer

Dates for your diary

3 Dec Renewing Scotland’s full potential in a digital world
7 Dec Eric Liddell Centre Xmas Lunchtime Concert
7-8 Dec HIV Scotland’s Fast-Tracking Scotland Summit
8 Dec Ageing Well: 6th Talk with the Open University: Standing Tall
16 Dec Covid-19 Research: Impact on Communities & Priorities for Recovery
20 Jan Meaningful connections: delivering peer support remotely
20 Jan 26 Jan CPG on Health Inequalities
27 Jan Ageing Well with the Open University: A Knowledge Exchange
9 Feb Forth Valley Third Sector Conference

Other opportunities for VHS Members

IMPACT training in smoking and mental health
Free training sessions January to March on the adverse effects of smoking on mental health and mental health medication for Third Sector Support Workers (including Volunteers, Peer Mentors and Carers) and NHS workers, providing support to people who have mental health problems. A one hour e-learning module followed-up with a one or two hour session delivered through Zoom two weeks later.

Newsdirect - Political Intelligence
Looking to promote your issues in the Scottish Parliament? Newsdirect is offering VHS members a discount on subscriptions on their daily parliamentary and political briefing, 'Health Today'.
Contact Newsdirect if you're interested in subscribing.