The national membership organisation Voluntary Health Scotland has become Health Creation Scotland. The organisation, which represents more than 360 third sector health organisations, says the new identity reflects a growing national focus on preventing ill health and tackling health inequalities – and reinforces the importance of third sector organisations in creating health for the nation amid a context of austerity and ongoing inequality.

Health Creation Scotland's members, from small community groups to large national charities, represent over 20,000 paid workers and over 40,000 volunteers with a pivotal role in improving the health of Scotland’s people, particularly those who experience inequality.

The organisation’s members voted unanimously to adopt the new name which it says reflects its increasing focus on health creation, informed by the expertise, evidence and lived experience of its members, putting in place the conditions that help people and communities to stay well, rather than focusing solely on treating illness once it occurs.

Under its new identity, Health Creation Scotland says it will continue to amplify the expertise and experience of third sector organisations working to support good health and wellbeing across Scotland.

The new name and strapline, Your Voice for Health Equity, come as the Scottish government seeks to deliver major public service reform focused on prevention, community-based care and reducing health inequalities.

Health Creation Scotland's chief executive, Tejesh Mistry, says the rebrand reflects a new direction for the organisation:

"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, says third sector organisations will be central to ensuring that health and care reforms work for people:

"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."

Louise Stewart, Director of the Health Creation Scotland member WithYou (pictured), welcomes the organisation’s new name:

"Health Creation Scotland is not simply a new identity. It's a statement of intent and an opportunity for a stronger voice, greater ambition and a renewed commitment to creating a fairer, healthier Scotland."

Chair of Public Health Scotland, Ally Boyle, says partnership that includes the third sector is crucial to Scotland’s health and wellbeing:

"The launch of Health Creation Scotland is more than a change of name. 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.

"Public Health Scotland shares that ambition. 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.

"I welcome this new chapter for Health Creation Scotland and look forward to strengthening our partnership as we work together to create the conditions that enable everybody in Scotland to thrive."

Membership of Health Creation Scotland is open to any third sector organisation that supports people to live well.

Its new web address is www.healthcreation.scot. 

Read more: Community link workers now “indispensable”; Health of thousands ‘invisible’ due to gender; Voluntary sector urged to ‘step into its power’ Scotland’s third sector calls for health partnership

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