Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

22/09/2026

Supporting people with long term health conditions, disabled people and unpaid carers to be in the 'driving seat' of their lives is a key to addressing health inequalities and reducing waiting lists for NHS services.

The ALLIANCE has administered the Self Management Fund on behalf of Scottish Government since 2009, to date granting over £31 million to 518 projects.

In 2024, a new cycle of the Self Management Fund began, prioritising projects supporting prevention and early intervention, addressing health inequalities and supporting people on waiting lists for NHS services.

The new report – Self Management for Life – put these small grants, given to 16 projects up and down Scotland, under the microscope, looking at their successes and learnings.

Self management puts people in the 'driving seat' of their care, empowering them to live their lives on their terms.

To read the new report gathering and sharing learning from these grants, visit the ALLIANCE website: https://ow.ly/HI3B50ZQ4x2

21/09/2026

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

As a member of the ALLIANCE, you can:

- Share your lived experience to influence change by joining one of our ALLIANCE networks.
- Share your insights through our case study, storytelling and opinion piece opportunities
- Access and share resources in our Knowledge Hub
- Exchange ideas and learn from others in one of our Communities of Practice
- Receive discounts on paid ALLIANCE training packages

Find out more about becoming a member - visit the ALLIANCE website: https://ow.ly/8esN50ZPwK2

Or contact: [email protected]

18/09/2026

How confident are you in understanding the symptoms, treatments, and support available during menopause?

In October we’ll be hosting several events for Menopause Awareness Month. Join us live on 21 October 12-1pm for a webinar on Hormonal Replacement Therapy, or join us on your lunch break to catch some of our most popular past webinars at our live rewatch events.

Having access to trusted information on symptoms, treatment options, and what women can do for themselves, can build confidence, address concerns and ensures that everyone can get the support they might need during the menopause.

Find more information and register for our Understanding HRT webinar here: https://ow.ly/zgWe50ZOGmm

Find more information and join our replay events here: https://ow.ly/K7zU50ZOGml

17/09/2026

Do you want to help shape action on gambling harms in Scotland?

Join our Lived Experience Forum and help put the voices of people affected by gambling harm at the centre of policy, decision-making and action.

The Lived Experience Forum is a safe, supportive space to influence change in gambling harms across Scotland. The Forum is a place for people who have experienced gambling harm or have been affected by somebody else’s gambling.

Since 2020, Forum members have helped influence policymakers, engage stakeholders and raise awareness of the real impact of gambling harms. You can be part of building on this work and shaping what happens next. See the amazing work the Forum has achieved here: https://ow.ly/Y6vy50ZOIUc

What you can expect from the forum: contribute to meaningful change, build confidence in using your voice, access to training opportunities, take part in wellbeing activities, and connect with others who have been affected by gambling harm and want to make a difference.

If this sounds like the right space for you, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at [email protected] or call on 0141 404 0231 to find out more.

15/09/2026

Welcome to .

raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing. This month we are excited to share four different apps, tools and resources:

Falls Assistant - is an interactive tool that allows you to help manage your mobility and reduce falls. You can also create an action plan that is personal to you. Access here – https://ow.ly/8J2O50ZCs6k.

ADAM (Alzheimer Scotland) - is an online tool developed by Alzheimer’s Scotland for people living with Dementia and their carers to help identify suitable technology to help people stay safe and independent. Access here – https://ow.ly/rKQx50ZCs6m.

Mind Yer Time (Scottish Youth Parliament, Children's Parliament) - is a website filled with resources that have been designed by children and young people to encourage positive use of screen time. Access here – https://ow.ly/cuKr50ZCs6n.

Breathing Space - is a phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Access here – https://ow.ly/YFzP50ZCs6i.

Tried one of these tools? Comment on this post or email at [email protected] with your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!

If you would like to learn about more digital tools, give our resource guide a read - https://ow.ly/EhL650ZCs6h.

This initiative is part of the Discover Digital project, more information - https://ow.ly/2l7E50ZCs6j.

13/09/2026

When health and care services are stuck in constant firefighting, taking time to step back sometimes feels impossible.

In his latest piece, Billy McClean, from Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, explores why we need to pause, reflect, and think differently about how we support our communities.

This is exactly why we are holding a conference in October. SCIC26 will be a dedicated space to break out of sector silos, spark bold ideas, and turn co-production into practical, lasting solutions.

If you're ready to recharge, connect with peers across Scotland, and put what matters to people back at the heart of care, this is the room you need to be in. Read Billy’s blog and secure your place at SCIC26: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/opinion/creating-space-to-share-and-learn-together/

11/09/2026

Supported self management isn't a single intervention, it is a thread that must run through a person's entire health and social care journey.

In a new opinion piece marking 20 years of the ALLIANCE, Paul Okroj from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland reflects on how self management underpins their No Life Half Lived strategy and shapes everything they do.

Paul writes about why empowering people to manage their conditions is fundamental to long-term quality of life, how self-management supports people through every stage of their care journey, and the transformative role the Self Management Fund has played in driving innovation and best practice across Scotland over the years.

Read his blog here: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/?post_type=opinion&p=49331

10/09/2026

Calling all comms professionals! Got a way with words and a talent for bringing events to life? We want to hear from you.

We are looking for a Communications and Events Officer to join our team.

If you are a dab hand at writing engaging copy and love the buzz of running events, from small workshops to national conferences, this role is for you.

As part of this, you will be:
- Crafting compelling content across blogs, social media, press, and newsletters
- Planning, promoting, and delivering events across Scotland
- Amplifying lived experience voices and championing human rights in health and social care

If you’re ready to put your comms skills to work for a sector that makes a real difference, apply today, share this with your network, or tag someone below who would love to apply.

Closing date is 5pm on 21 September.

Apply here: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/jobs/communications-and-events-officer/

09/09/2026

Learn about ME is built on collaboration. By working with people with lived experience, charities, clinicians and healthcare professionals, Action for ME and partners have created resources that reflect both the latest clinical knowledge and the realities of living with ME and Long Covid.

This partnership approach has helped make the learning more powerful and practical. Clinical case studies, accredited CPD and podcast conversations give healthcare professionals a clearer understanding of the conditions and the support people need.

It also gives the ME and Long Covid communities a stronger platform to share their insight directly. The podcast series has had more than 10,000 listens, helping to amplify community voices and challenge misunderstanding.

You can read the full case study here: https://ow.ly/JIKo50ZFvKb

Explore the Learn about ME resources and other signposting here: https://ow.ly/giBg50ZFvKa

Action for ME have been working with partners including Dr Nina Muirhead, Scotland, The ME Association and Long Covid Scotland, to bring the experience of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Long Covid together with the latest medical and scientific knowledge on ME to GPs and ot...

08/09/2026

Are you interested in learning more about PMOS (formerly PCOS)?

September marks Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) Awareness Month. PMOS is a complex but common condition, which affects how your ovaries work, and can affect your hormones and metabolism. More awareness about symptoms, treatment options and support will help with better diagnosis and management.

Our next women’s health webinar with The Scottish Government will focus on Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS - formerly PCOS) on Wednesday 16 September from 12pm - 1pm.

With expert speakers we’ll explore the condition, common symptoms, treatment, and discuss why the new name is better suited. Join us for free here: https://ow.ly/NMee50ZJi92

We have also produced several resources on PMOS with the Scottish Government, including webinars, graphics and information sheets. You can find these on our women’s health resource hub: https://ow.ly/sMka50ZJi94

The ALLIANCE and the Scottish Government are hosting a free webinar on PMOS (formerly PCOS) on Wednesday 16 September 12-1. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a condition that affects how your ovaries work. During ovulation, an egg is released once a month. PMOS can have an impact on...