In November 2022, VHS published Broader Reach and Stronger Voice: Reflecting on the inclusivity of the COVID-19 vaccine programme and collaboration with the third sector. This was a qualitative study asking our member organisations and wider network about the inclusivity of the COVID-19 vaccine programme and collaboration with the third sector.

At our event on the 26th of January, we will be bringing VHS members and partners together to discuss the potential and opportunities in partnership working for health.

The clear overwhelming message from the third sector is that we want to be more involved in future public health interventions to reduce inequalities. The COVID-19 vaccine programme has provided us with multiple positive examples of how partnership working can benefit communities and individuals.

Third sector and voluntary organisations are trusted by the communities we serve and are therefore well placed to support future public health interventions. The sector is already working with communities who are often underserved and falling through the cracks of services. Our research underlines the value of partnering with representatives from communities and that public health input doesn’t always need to take place on NHS ground.

At this event we will discuss how do we enable partnerships to be nurtured and sustained to make sure that those often-underserved groups are supported by trusted community voices to access healthcare?

How do we ensure that the third sector is valued as a trusted partner in future interventions to reduce inequalities?

We will hear from:

Kimberley Somerside, Policy and Engagement Lead at Voluntary Health Scotland
other speakers tbc

Please contact Lauren Blair if you have any questions. Lauren.Blair@vhscotland.org.uk

VHS Members Meet Up: Broader Reach and Stronger Voice