Welcome to our January 2021 E-bulletin: sharing news & views from the VHS network & updates from Scottish Government & the NHS affecting the voluntary health sector.
If you would like to join the VHS network  - Get Involved here

VHS News & Events

Welcome to a brand new year
We may be back in lockdown again, but as your national intermediary and network we are here to support you through these Covid-19 times and beyond. Last year was unbelievably tough for the voluntary health sector but time and again you showed just how compassionate and resourceful you are and how well placed you are to support vulnerable and anxious people through the pandemic. With your help we were able to highlight the wider health and wellbeing issues that were in danger of being ignored or about which not enough was understood or not understood fast enough. Inequalities that had already been there but were now exacerbated by the pandemic such as poverty, digital exclusion, food insecurity, social isolation and loneliness. Issues like the barriers to accessing treatment and services that Covid-19 restrictions resulted in, together with the toll on mental health. Acknowledgement of the need for sustainable investment in our sector if we are truly to be partners in health and social care, primary care and public health. This year, please help us keep up this important work, by working with us and by inviting us to work with you. Alison, Claire, Kiren and Lauren all look forward to working with you throughout 2021. 

Looking Back, Looking Forward
Interviewed just before Christmas for the online platform Health and Care Scotland, our CEO Claire Stevens reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing the third sector in 2021, the part the sector plays in public health, and the distinctive contribution that arts and culture are making to support people through the pandemic.

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.

Ageing Well with the Open University: A Knowledge Exchange
Over the course of 2020, VHS ran a series of events on ageing well with the Open University. This event on 27 January will include a brief overview of topics covered over the series and a discussion on ageing and well being.

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

Primary care research priorities
The University of Highlands and Islands is seeking your views about research priorities in primary care. This is the first comprehensive, patient-centred and generalist health professional project of setting priorities for primary care research since the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. It is designed to strengthen future evidence for primary care to improve health outcomes. VHS is a partner in this project. 
The survey will remain open until 1st March 2021.  Please contact the UHI project manager if you have any problems accessing the survey.

New Chair for VHS
Rob Murray, chief executive of Cancer Support Scotland, will lead the board of 13 trustees at VHS with immediate effect. 

Murray said: “I am truly honoured to have been elected as chair of Voluntary Health Scotland and look forward to working with colleagues on the board and staff team to achieve our charity's vision of seeing a healthier, fairer Scotland served by a thriving voluntary health sector.

“The voluntary health sector is never more needed and VHS's role as its national intermediary is vital to ensuring the sector is able to share its experience and expertise to help influence and shape national and local policy and practice. Our first class team provides a platform for voices across the sector, gathers and disseminates evidence, and connects people and organisations across all sectors, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration on key issues like health inequalities and improving practice.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to our outgoing chair Allyson McCollam for her unstinting commitment to VHS over the last 6 years”.

Chief executive Claire Stevens said: "Rob has proved himself to be a supportive and effective trustee throughout his time on the board, and I am very much looking forward to working with him in his new leadership role. We also welcome on board four new trustees: Wilma Paterson, Ian Bruce and Susanne Nielson-Cameron and  David Main who takes on the role of treasurer. Although our staff team is small, we are privileged to have a really high calibre group of trustees and they play a crucial role in enabling the organisation to punch above its weight. "

COVID-19 News

Coronavirus in Scotland - For all the latest advice and guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Coronavirus (COVID-19): daily data for Scotland - This is updated each day to provide the latest available data on COVID-19 in Scotland.

Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine roll out begins in Scotland
The Scottish Government has confirmed doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine are being rolled out in over 1,000 GP practices and community centres from 11 January. Scotland has an allocation of 533,640 doses of the vaccine in January and these doses are available for local order and delivery. Jeane Freeman will provide an update to parliament on the vaccination programme this week. She said: “As ever, we are dependent on the vaccine supply and we continue to explore all possible options to speed up the delivery of all vaccine and bring forward timescales where possible.” The Chief Medical Officer has written to MSPs enclosing advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on the AstraZeneca and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines. 

Scotland's Wellbeing: The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our health, economy and society, with damaging impacts on the way of life and wellbeing of people in Scotland. This Scottish Government report aims to report openly and transparently on how COVID-19 has affected progress towards Scotland’s National Outcomes. It brings together a range of evidence sources, as well as analysis and insight, to show the impact of COVID-19 across the National Outcomes to date and its potential future impacts. Understanding the breadth of impacts should aid a range of organisations and individuals who are considering how to reset progress towards the national outcomes in light of the pandemic.

Adapt & Thrive Programme
From 11 January 2021, there will be two changes to the programme’s criteria so it can support more organisations on their journey to recovery:
• Eligible organisations can access funding regardless of turnover size
• The top value of grants will increase from £25K to up to £75K
The remaining criteria will continue to apply. For more information and to apply under the updated criteria, visit the SCVO website on 11 January.

OSCR Research: COVID-19 continues to affect charities and those they support
70% of charities have seen a negative impact on those they support as a result of COVID-19, according to a new survey by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Over 2,500 charities responded to the survey to help provide a snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on a large and representative cross section of Scottish charities.

The financial impact of COVID-19 on disabled people and their carers
The £20-a-week uplift to Universal Credit has been a lifeline for millions of people during the coronavirus pandemic, but people on legacy benefits have been unjustly excluded from this vital financial support so far. This Joseph Rowntree Foundation briefing shows why throwing this same lifeline to people on legacy benefits is the right thing to do.

Scottish Government Carers Wellbeing Stakeholder Toolkit
The aim of the Scottish Government Carers’ Wellbeing campaign is to encourage carers across Scotland to seek the emotional and practical support that will help them look after themselves. The campaign has been developed alongside input from carers and carer organisations in order to ensure it truly meets the needs of those it is trying to support. Recent polling by YouGov indicates that an additional 392,000 people in Scotland have taken up caring roles during the pandemic. This takes the total potential number of carers in Scotland to around 1.1 million. 

 Health and Social Care staff reflect on impact of Covid-19 pandemic
The survey found that despite concerns about challenges in both their work and personal lives, health and social care staff expressed satisfaction with their lives and the majority of health and care staff continue to say they would recommend their place of work to others.

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

VHS response to Renewing Scotland’s full potential in a digital world
​The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated to health organisations that working digitally is more important than ever before, whether they are in the public, private or third sector. Organisations in the third and community sectors were arguably the fastest off the starting blocks at the start of the March lockdown in terms of moving support and services on-line wherever they could. Read our full response to the Scottish Government consultation on Renewing Scotland’s Potential in A Digital World .

Medication Assisted Treatment Standards survey
This survey has been developed as part of wider engagement activities to consult on the implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards. The standards have been developed on behalf of the Drugs Death Task Force. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is carrying out this survey as part of an ongoing programme of engagement. The purpose of this survey and of the wider engagement activities is to understand both local implementation needs and expectations from people in services, in order to establish and embed the MAT standards within local practice.
These documents and resources may help you with your responses to the survey.

Children in Scotland 2021-26 Manifesto
The Manifesto outlines key changes in policy and legislation CiS believes the next Scottish Government must make to improve outcomes for children and young people living in Scotland, and their families.

MS Society Scotland Manifesto
Over the lifetime of the next Scottish Parliament the MS Society Scotland want to see bold action taken and tangible differences made in the following areas:
* Care, support and treatment for people living with MS is person centred, consistent and based within the community
* Creation of a world-leading, rights based social security system co-produced with people affected by MS
* Supporting physical and mental wellbeing and building resilient communities

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.

New health ministers
Following December's resignation of Joe FitzPatrick as Minister for Public Health and Sport, the Scottish Government appointed Mairi Gougeon as his successor and Angela Constance as Minister for Drugs Policy.  Mairi Gougeon is now responsible for COVID-19 testing while Jeane Freeman, Cabinet Secretary for Health, leads on COVID-19 vaccinations. 

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

 Morna’s Blog: why we’re getting #LouderForMS
In her blog Morna Simpkins the Director of MS Society Scotland explains how in the run up to the 2021 elections fighting for the support that our communities need has seldom been more important. For the 15,000 people in Scotland living with MS and the many others living with long term health conditions a new parliamentary term will not only be defined by life post-pandemic but by how we address the issues that were present before. 

New project to help families at risk of dying from drugs
The Drugs Deaths Taskforce is funding a new project to help the families of people at risk of dying through drugs. Families as Lifesavers will start work in early January, run by the Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs. It is one of the funded projects through the Taskforce’s Innovation & National Development Fund.  The project will work together with family members through a wraparound, intensive family support, harm reduction and death prevention model, with the focus on family members who are concerned their loved one is at high risk of drug-related death.

Collaborating in Communities to Improve Mental Health
SENScot have been encouraged by the response to their new 2020 Pockets and Prospects Programme: Collaborating in Communities to Improve Mental Health . It focuses on addressing the emerging mental health and wellbeing needs, resulting from the Covid-19 crisis, within local communities.  Due to the level of interest, they are considering developing the model with a focus on mental health in the workplace. Take a look at the wide range of activities and services offered by over 40 social enterprise suppliers. 

The Public Attitudes to HIV in Scotland Report
The first large-scale survey in Scotland on awareness and attitudes to HIV was published at the Fast-Tracking Scotland Summit on 7 December. The key findings from the report show 98% of Scots rightly recognise sex without a condom as a transmission risk, but 46% of Scots think HIV can be transmitted through biting, spitting, or kissing someone. 

Alcohol deaths fall 10% in 2019
A 10% drop in alcohol-specific deaths has been reported by the National Records of Scotland for 2019. The figures, which represent the first full year of statistics since the introduction of minimum unit pricing, are the lowest since 2013.

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said, “Despite this good news, the number of deaths from alcohol in Scotland is far too high. Each one is preventable and represents a life cut tragically short, with many more lives scarred by loss. We must do more. AFS believes now is time to review the 50p minimum price. The impact of the current rate is likely to have been eroded due to inflation during the eight years which have elapsed since Parliament passed the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012. We also now have more information about how MUP operates in practice. These data can help us recalibrate the price to ensure we maximise the benefits of this life-saving policy.”

FASD: Moving Forward Together
This virtual Scotland-wide seminar on 25 February about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)  will bring together key people with different backgrounds and areas of expertise to share what resources are available, what’s happening and what is being planned in Scotland to advance understanding of, and action on, FASD. 

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) 2021
This arts festival will take place in May 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. 

Other News

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital infections interim report
In December the Scottish Government published an interim report setting out the initial findings and recommendations developed through the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Oversight Board’s programme of work in response to the infection issues affecting the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children. The report found doctors felt their concerns about water and ventilation were not addressed and highlights issues with infection prevention and control, and communication. The final report is expected to be published in early 2021.

Waiting times for drug & alcohol services
Public Health Scotland has released waiting time figures for drug and alcohol treatment services between 1 July – 30 September 2020. These show that 97.2% of the 9,342 people who started their first treatment waited three weeks or less, an increase from the same quarter in the previous year (95.1%) which health officials believe may be partially attributable to a decline in demand for services. The number of people whose wait was completed immediately prior to and during the COVID-19 lockdown period reduced by up to half compared with the same period last year. Since then there has been a gradual increase towards the levels in 2019.

What is Data Poverty?
This report from NESTA is focused on those for whom cost is the main barrier to greater digital participation. People living in poverty have fewer opportunities to engage fully in the online world and COVID-19 social distancing restrictions have only increased reliance on online access. It explores the barriers people face to accessing the data they need.

Relationships matter for people with learning disabilities
Relationships Matter is the first report from the ‘How’s life’ survey carried out by the Scottish Commission for Learning Disability. It focuses on relationships and loneliness, and explores issues that relate to these, like happiness, choice, and support. Key findings:

• 52% of people occasionally, sometimes, or often felt lonely
• 9% often felt lonely, compared to 5% of the general population
• Only 5% of respondents lived with a partner, compared to 56% of the general population

Scottish Government news

Coronavirus vaccine: CMO on advice on AstraZeneca & Pfizer BioNTech vaccines
Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine national roll-out
Community testing to be introduced from January
Vaccines reach 113,459 people
Scotland in lockdown
Ministerial appointments support fight against pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - dementia and COVID-19: action plan
Strengthening support for people with dementia and their carers
Latest COVID-19 funding allocations
Child Disability Payment pilot areas announced
COVID-19 vaccination programme to start
Staff ready to administer COVID-19 vaccine

Dates for your diary

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

Opportunity to join the NHS Tayside Board
NHS Tayside is looking for three new members to join its Board.  As a non-executive member of this Board, you will have a key role in supporting the delivery of the organisation’s strategic direction in addition to contributing to scrutinising performance, and discharging governance and accountability functions.  All successful candidates will also sit on one of the local Integration Joint Boards. For two of the posts the Board is particularly interested in people with relevant experience in the voluntary sector, public health or mental health. You do not need to be an expert in health and training will be provided. Closing date is 8 February. For more information and to apply: Scottish Government - Public Appointments (bit.ly)

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.