Voluntary Health Scotland renamed Health Creation Scotland

Health Creation Scotland. <i>(Image: lewis houghton)</i>
Health Creation Scotland. (Image: lewis houghton)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Voluntary Health Scotland has relaunched under the name Health Creation Scotland, reflecting a renewed focus on preventing illness and tackling health inequalities.

The organisation represents more than 360 third-sector health organisations across Scotland and advocates for a shift towards creating the conditions that help people and communities stay well, rather than responding to illness after it occurs.

Its members range from small community groups to large national charities, collectively representing more than 20,000 paid workers and 40,000 volunteers.

Together, they work to improve health outcomes, particularly for people and communities most affected by inequality.



Tejesh Mistry, chief executive of Health Creation Scotland, said:"Health Creation Scotland is much more than a new name.

"It embodies our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy good health, regardless of where they live or the circumstances they face.

"Our members see and hear the impact that poverty and inequality have on people's health.

"As Scotland moves towards a more prevention-focused health system, we will be a voice for change, championing health equity and working with our members to drive the actions needed to tackle the root causes of poor health and shape the future of health and care."

Christine Carlin, chair of Health Creation Scotland, said: "Health Creation - a small phrase but one that offers a brighter future for the health and well-being of Scotland's people.

"Working together with communities, the public services and government, we can create a future where every person, in every community, has the same opportunity to enjoy good health.

"Our new name, Health Creation Scotland, shines a light on the critical role of the third sector in this ambitious agenda."

Ally Boyle, chair of Public Health Scotland, said: "It is a timely reminder that health is created in our communities, homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods, not just in our health and care services.

"For many years, Voluntary Health Scotland has been a valued partner and a strong voice for prevention, health equity, and the vital contribution of the third sector to improving health and wellbeing.

"Those priorities have never been more important for Scotland.

"We know that lasting improvements in health and reductions in inequality can only be achieved through collective action involving communities, the third sector, public services, and government."

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos