Voluntary Health Scotland
Voluntary Health Scotland is the national intermediary body for voluntary health organisations.
Established in 2000 through a partnership between the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and NHS Health Scotland, VHS is now supported by the Scottish Government Health and Wellbeing Directorate (SGHWD) and NHS Health Scotland.
At VHS, we workalong with our 150 members and 162 associates to maximise the impact of the voluntary (third) sector on health improvement and health care in Scotland.
Our vision for a healthy Scotland encompasses the increase of opportunities for a healthy life; fairness in access to resources and services; the widening of channels for participation in service planning and delivery; and commitment to partnership working in the pursuit of health for all.
We aim to realise this vision by:
- Fostering partnerships with the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland nationally and locally
- Supporting the third sector to contribute to meeting the needs of those experiencing inequalities, ill-health and disability
- Seeking a greater role for the third sector in service delivery
- Promoting the added value brought by the third sector to health improvement and health care
- Supporting democratic participation by individuals and communities in the planning and development of services
Our activities include:
- Maintaining a topical interactive website
- Producing regular newsletters and e-news briefings for members
- Hosting seminars and conferences
- Contributing to the development of health policy along with the third sector
- Providing a platform for showcasing good practice within the third sector
- Supporting the strategic development of local health initiatives and partnerships