Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

07/08/2026

There's less than one month left to get involved in Scotland's first Human Rights Festival.

We're delighted to support this exciting new festival and encourage our members, partners and communities across Scotland to consider hosting an event that brings human rights to life.

From health and social care to housing, equality, poverty, accessibility and community participation, human rights are not abstract ideas. They shape people's everyday experiences, opportunities and wellbeing.

The theme for International Human Rights Day 2026 is rights, dignity and justice, and festival partners are invited to explore these themes in whatever way feels meaningful to their communities.

Events could include:
- Theatre, comedy and performance
- Film screenings and discussions
- Arts, photography and exhibitions
- Panel events and workshops
- Music and cultural events
- Community food gatherings
- Youth-led activities
- Online events and conversations

Whether you're a grassroots community group, charity, campaign organisation, public body or local network, this is an opportunity to be part of a national celebration of human rights across Scotland.

If you've been thinking about getting involved, now is the time to submit your Expression of Interest.

Complete the form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=F85tjDDc_UegnBXJa4poNSxiOA379fRHrmn9XI6YsTJUMDIyWDAzMkZNS1FPVjhYSTNJUk1GRTAxMS4u&route=shorturl
Deadline: 31 August

Together, let's create a festival that highlights the power of rights, dignity and justice in people's everyday lives.

06/08/2026

At the ALLIANCE, we know that some of the most important conversations happen when people feel able to share their lived experiences. Our National Lead for Person Centred Voices, Tommy Whitelaw, spends much of his time meeting people across Scotland and listening to the stories that shape our understanding of health, care and what really matters.

Recently, Tommy met Euan, who shared the deeply personal story of his mum, Dorothy, and her journey with Alzheimer's disease.

In this moving blog, Euan reflects on the love, challenges, memories and emotions that have accompanied his family's experience of dementia. Alongside his writing, he has also created a beautiful poem and short film that celebrates Dot's life and allows her story to be heard in her own words.

It's a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a lifetime of memories and a story worth listening to. Through compassion, understanding and connection, we can help ensure that people living with dementia continue to be seen, heard and valued.

Thank you, Euan, for sharing such a personal and meaningful tribute to your mum.

Read Euan's story and watch the film here: https://ow.ly/1Uus50ZwTYj

05/08/2026

For many people gambling has become part of their everyday life – but research shows it can evolve into a slow often invisible decline that places individuals at heightened risk of harm and impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.

In serious cases it can lead to severe mental distress and even su***de.

To better understand what support is needed, the Scottish Government has announced a Gambling Harm and Mental Health Fund for third sector organisations, which will be administered by the ALLIANCE. The fund closes soon, on 14 August at 5pm.

Find out more: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/news/the-gambling-harm-and-mental-health-fund-is-now-open/

03/08/2026

Thinking about becoming an ALLIANCE member?

Join a dynamic, cross-sector community working to improve the lives of people who use health and social care services in Scotland by becoming a member of the ALLIANCE.

Here are some of the ways we can support you:

1. Stay up to date with developments, news, and opportunities from across health and social care in Scotland.

2. Connect across the ALLIANCE’s diverse membership network and attend regular events and training to enhance your skills and knowledge.

3. Share your knowledge and experience and learn from colleagues across the sector to improve health and social care across Scotland.

4. Have your voice represented through our policy work and engagement opportunities to shape policy and practice across Scotland.


Find out more about becoming a member today by visiting the ALLIANCE website: https://ow.ly/mIaX50ZvHRU

Or by contacting: [email protected]

31/07/2026

“It is a vital service in the community and one I am eternally grateful for.”

When Izadin moved to Glasgow three years ago, he found things difficult. Whilst it was the right decision, for him and for his family, there were a lot of things to deal with; their asylum status, Izadin's health, and stress and worry about their children's future.

But once he met his Community Links Worker, Izadin's world opened up. Him and his wife joined their local Health Walk, and their Links Worker encouraged them to sign up for a free E-Bike and to enroll in English classes at a local college. In Izadin's words: 'It really has made a huge difference to our lives.'

As we celebrate , our Community Links Worker programme continues to make a real difference every day, helping people with problems with isolation, debt, mental health, and much more.

Read Izadin's full story: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/humansofscotland/izadins-story/

30/07/2026

Poverty. Isolation. Housing insecurity. Financial stress.

These are some of the challenges Community Links Workers help people navigate every day, connecting individuals with the support that can make a real difference to their wellbeing. Community Links Workers work alongside GP practices to help address the wider factors affecting health and wellbeing.

This blog by Roseann, Director of the Links programme, explores why their role remains as important as ever and how stronger community connections can help create healthier lives.

Read more: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/opinion/bringing-communities-together-the-continued-importance-of-the-community-links-workers/

29/07/2026

The new Scottish Government have indicated that public service reform will be one of their key priorities over the next five years, and have appointed a Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform to pursue this agenda.

How Public Service Reform is developed and implemented will have significant implications health and social care services in Scotland. As we look to shape our initial thinking and position on Public Service Reform, we are welcoming input from our members at an event on 4 August 2026 from 2pm to 3.30pm.

If you would like to join us on 4 August, please get in touch with us at [email protected] to register.

Find out more about the event here: https://ow.ly/YtYN50ZtPNK

The new Scottish Government have indicated that public service reform will be one of their key priorities over the next five years, and have appointed a Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform to pursue this agenda. At the end of the previous term of parliament, they also published a “Health a...

28/07/2026

Inclusive leadership isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about creating the conditions for people to be heard, valued, and empowered to influence the decisions that affect their lives.

That was a central message from our recent Integration in Action event on inclusive leadership.

From co-production to breaking down organisational silos, the event explored what it takes to build health and social care systems around people’s lives rather than organisational boundaries.

This blog captures the key insights, reflections, and calls to action from the event.

Read more and access the event report here: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/opinion/from-silos-to-systems-the-role-of-inclusive-leadership-in-integrated-care/

27/07/2026

"These professions offer so many different paths and opportunities to grow, develop, and make a real difference in people’s lives", says Sarah.

In our new Humans of Scotland series, nurses and midwives across Scotland speak about their experiences within healthcare; sharing why they do what they do, what motivates them, and the moments that have shaped their careers. In partnership with our Person Centred Voices programme, the series aims to show the people behind the roles and highlight the hard work being done every day.

From moments of connection and compassion to the challenges and rewards of supporting others, each story demonstrates the passion, dedication and humanity at the heart of nursing and midwifery.

Read their stories here: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/humansofscotland/hos-stories/

24/07/2026

The impact of support isn't always visible straight away. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, a small step forward, or simply knowing someone is in your corner.

As we celebrate 20 years of the ALLIANCE, we're recognising the Community Links Worker programme and the difference it continues to make in people's lives across Scotland.

Since 2014, Community Links Workers have been supporting people through some of their most challenging moments. Whether someone is struggling with debt, isolation, poor mental health, housing concerns, or the pressures of everyday life, Community Links Workers take the time to listen and understand what matters to them.

The stories shared by people who have worked with Community Links Workers show the lasting impact this approach can have. They remind us that person centred support isn't just about accessing services; it's about feeling heard, valued and supported.

As we mark this milestone anniversary, we're proud to celebrate the people behind the programme and the difference they make every day.

Read more about the Community Links Worker programme here: https://ow.ly/JSov50ZqGY7