VHS July 2026 e-Newsletter
Dear Colleagues,
At a time of significant political change in Scotland, many of our communities continue to experience the incredibly harmful effects of racism and widening health inequalities. Many of you or the people you work with may have experienced this first hand in recent weeks. As community organisations, we see every day how structural, institutional and interpersonal racism impacts people's health, wellbeing and opportunity.
That is why Voluntary Health Scotland is proud to publish our Anti-Racism Statement, reaffirming our commitment to being actively anti-racist in our culture, partnerships, influence and practice. We recognise that this is an ongoing journey of learning, accountability and action. Together with our members, we will continue to amplify lived experience, challenge inequality and provide collective leadership to help create healthier communities for us all.
Tejesh Mistry
VHS Chief Executive
VHS News & Events
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
On the back of collaboration with CEMVO Scotland on anti-racism workshops, and wider consultation, we're proud to publish our own Anti-Racism Statement. Alongside our Statement, we've created a page where members can find resources and reading to help start your own anti-racism journey as well. Visit our webpage to find out more.
(IN)VISIBLE Research: TFN Article
The June edition of the Third Force News featured a 3-page article summarising our (IN)VISIBLE research published in May. Read the article on pages 28-30 here.
Healing Arts VHS Evening Reception
We're so pleased with how our event "The Art of Health: Weaving Wellbeing Across Scotland" went. The comedienne, Mari McLaren, was a resounding success and a definite highlight of the evening. You can read more about it and see some photos in this LinkedIn post.
Realistic Medicine Conference '26
We delivered two sessions, "Gender Related Inequalities and 'Missingness' in Health" and "Connection at the Heart of Prevention: A Social Prescribing Approach". We were really pleased that both Sir Gregor Smith and Dr. Jill Sonke mentioned the importance of social prescribing and highlighted the contribution of Community Link Workers. You can read more about both sessions and see some photos here and here.
Membership Renewals
If you have received an email asking you to fill in a membership form, we would be very grateful if you could complete the form. The data will helps us to ensure that the diversity and impact of our members is reflected through our work. If you have any questions about the membership renewal process, please contact us.
📣 UPCOMING VHS EVENTS
Benefit Take Up Strategy Engagement Discussion
On 23 July, The Scottish Government is seeking the views of VHS members on how best to maximise take-up of social security entitlements in Scotland. Your input will help shape the next Benefit Take-Up Strategy, due for publication in October. Find out more and register here.
Consultation Event: Prioritising Prevention
In the first of a series of events to explore the four asks in our Manifesto for Health Creation, we invite our members and stakeholders to join us as we explore the current policy context regarding prevention in health. We’ll provide information about some of the latest developments before inviting attendees to share their own insights and experiences .Find out more and register here.
VHS Annual Conference 2026
Mark your calendars - On 2 November we'll be holding our VHS Annual Conference at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. More details to be announced soon!
Are you a VHS member? Join our movement for health creation
VHS membership is FREE. We made the decision to move to a free membership, with the intention of creating a larger, more diverse membership. If your organisation would like to apply you can find out more here
or email the team.
Member News
Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) Published a New Joint Report
Together with Alcohol Health Alliance, AFS has published A Clear Way Forward, a report on alcohol labelling.
Cemvo Anti-Racism and Mental Health Training
Cemvo are repeating this successful 2-part training on the 9th and 16th of September, 10:00-12:30 on both days. This is a two part training so participants are expected to attend both days. It is free and would be suitable for anyone working in the public or third sector involved in mental health care and support. Register here.
Carers Scotland Seek Survey Input
The annual State of Caring survey is the most in-depth research done into unpaid carers in the UK. The responses are vital to campaign work to improve the lives of carers in Scotland and beyond. The deadline to take part is 9 August, you can find out more and take part in the survey here.
Share Your Views on Weight Loss Medications in Scotland
Obesity Action Scotland is looking for adults (18+) living in Scotland who identify as living with overweight or obesity to take part in a focus group about people's views and experiences of GLP-1 weight loss medications. Participants will receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time. Find out more here.
Volunteering in Your Retirement
Volunteer Edinburgh is holding an information session on 28th July for those who are retired or approaching retirement and would like to learn more about volunteering. Register here.
Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) Seed Fund Now Open
ABCAN is supporting communities across Argyll & Bute to take action on climate change through seed funding. Grants of £50 - £1,000 are available for community groups and organisations with ideas that support local climate action. Applications close on 2nd August. Find out more and apply here.
The Patients Association Engagement Opportunities
The Patients Association are looking for people to join a focus group to help shape the new strategy of the National Association of Social Prescribing (NASP). Find out more here. They also have a survey to better understand what patients and members of the public know about health regulation. Find out more here.
Walking Scotland's Fund for Accessible Pathways
Supported by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Walking Scotland's SPT Community Path Fund is now open. Any community organisation with a constitution and bank account based in the SPT region can apply. Applications close on 12th August. Find out more and apply here.
The Fight for the Vote: Suffragettes and Nursing
The Royal College of Nursing will be launching this new, hybrid event on 20th August. It accompanies the exhibition 'Prison Nursing Unlocked: A history or care and justice'. Find out more and register here.
My Health, My Rights Conference
On 2nd October, Children's Health Scotland will be holding their conference where you can hear directly from young people and help shape the future of children's health rights in Scotland. Book your place here.
Global Intergenerational Congress 2026
Generations Working Together are promoting the Global Intergenerational Congress 2026 which will take place in Glasgow from 29th September to the 1st October 2026. They are also inviting nominations for the Intergenerational Excellent Awards 2026. Find out more here.
Share Your Member News
Please send your updates and news to share - email here.
Policy News
VHS Statement: Strengthening Scotland's Partnership with the Third Sector
We published a response to the motion and debate in the Scottish Parliament about establishing a formal partnership with the Third Sector. Read the statement here.
Women's Health Minister: Joint Call for Reinstatement
VHS signed an open call to the First Minister, alongside 34 other organisations, to reinstate the Women's Health Minister. Read more in this LinkedIn post.
Meeting with Helen McDade MSP
Sarah Latto, our External Affairs Lead, had a meeting with the new convenor of the Health, Care and Sport Committee, Helen McDade MSP. The discussion was productive, with topics including the upcoming Long Term Conditions Framework and the shift to prevention in health and care reform.
Health Care and Sport Committee Briefing
VHS has sent a briefing to all Health, Care and Sport Committee members sharing information about health inequalities in Scotland and inviting them to consider joining the Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities for which VHS provides the secretariat.
For more information about the briefing or the CPG, please contact Sarah Latto, VHS External Affairs Lead.
New Role, Same Policy Focus!
The role of VHS team member Sarah Latto has shifted slightly to include a strategic focus on communications and events. This is reflected in Sarah's new role title as External Affairs Lead. However, Sarah remains the VHS lead for policy and public affairs.
Want more?
If you would like to receive more important policy updates, sign up for our monthly Policy Bulletin.
Public Health Scotland Winter Vaccines Stakeholder Webinar
Public Health Scotland (PHS) are hosting a webinar about this year’s winter vaccine programme and how they can support you to raise awareness and encourage uptake amongst those most at risk. This webinar will take place on Tuesday 18th August, 11.35am to 12.30pm, and is aimed at professionals and organisations who work with and support those who are eligible for the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines. Register here.
Grant Opportunity: Up to £100,000 for Community
Engagement
The Scottish Government are seeking to fund a third sector organisation to deliver inclusive community engagement activities that inform the development of actions which underpin the Scottish Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) strategy, as well as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) policy development across Scotland. Find out more and apply here.
Tesco Fruit and Veg Grants through Greenspace Scotland
This new grant programme is now open for applications. Schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations supporting children and young people can apply for up to £1,500 for projects that improve access to healthy food. Find out more and apply here.
Kidz to Adultz Exhibition
This free event on 15 September in Glasgow will bring together support services, equipment, products and opportunities for disabled children, young people and adults. Find out more and register here.
SIGN Seeks Input for Guideline Development Group
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) are looking for people with lived experience to join a development group to develop guidlines on preventing cardiovascular disease. You can find out more and apply here.
Opportunity to Join the Scottish Commission on Social Security
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing is seeking to appoint two members to join the Scottish Commission on Social Security (SCoSS). Members will play a key role in shaping Scotland's devolved social security system. Read here for further information.
Charity Worker Discounts
If you are a charity worker, volunteer or work in other charity sector support roles, you can sign up and find discounts on everything from tech to travel. They also have sister schemes for those who work in health services, as teachers and as carers.
Community Knowledge Matters (CKM) Members Survey
The Community Knowledge Matters network are seeking views from their members in a survey closing on the 12th of July. You can find more information here.
Stays with Turadh
Turadh stays offer rest and renewal in beautiful holiday homes in the Highlands, this opportunity is open to those whose work serves communities, ecologies or causes in Scotland. Bookings are now open until April 2027, mention you're a VHS member or Link Worker in your application to be eligible for their rates.
July Guest Blog
This month's guest blog comes from Alcohol Focus Scotland, sharing details of their new Alcohol Action Network during Alcohol Awareness Week. You can read their blog here.
Our Networks
Health Policy Officers Network (HPON)
The HPON is a peer group of health policy officers administered by VHS and RNIB Scotland. We share policy insights, consultations, inquiries and other parliamentary activity throughout the year. For details contact us here.
The Scottish Community Link Worker Network (SCLWN)
The SCLWN is our national network for primary care community link working in Scotland. To join contact Roisin Hurst Project Manager, SCLWN. Follow SCLWN on X @ScotCLWnetwork
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Voluntary Health Scotland
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