Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

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...

07/09/2026

Imagine the Edinburgh Playhouse - Scotland's largest theatre - filled to capacity. Now multiply that by three.

That is how many people in Scotland are currently stranded on social care waiting lists, waiting for an assessment or an at-home care package while unpaid carers carry an unsustainable burden.

Writing for Third Force News, Sara, ALLIANCE Chief Officer, shares a powerful message on why Scotland must stop debating social care reform and start delivering it: "The challenge facing Scotland is not a lack of understanding. It is turning what we already know into change. We no longer need to question if person-centred support works; we know that it does."

Behind every statistic is an unpaid carer on the brink of burnout or a disabled person unable to live independently. Social care isn't a political issue or a burden it is the foundation of a fair society that enables dignity, choice, and community life.

You can read Sara's full article here: https://ow.ly/QCBV50ZJv1Y

Andy Burnham’s recent pledge to “fix” social care in England has brought renewed attention to an issue Scotland has seen significant reform efforts in recent years. The Feeley Review laid out a compelling vision for a rights-based social care system, and the Care Reform Bill sought to take som...

06/09/2026

Across Scotland, third sector organisations are leading the way in self management, prevention and early intervention. Join us to explore what's working and what's next.

ALLIANCE Connect - Self Management, Prevention and Innovation

Join us on Tuesday 22 September, 1pm to 3.30pm at Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh for an in-person afternoon dedicated to sharing ideas, exploring innovation and learning from organisations making a difference across Scotland.

You'll hear directly from Self Management funded projects, learn from third sector organisations leading the way in prevention and early intervention, and take part in discussions designed to encourage reflection, peer learning and the exchange of ideas.

- Free to attend
- Exclusively for ALLIANCE members
- Lunch provided

To book your place, email [email protected] and let us know if you have any dietary or accessibility requirements.

04/09/2026

This year we are celebrating 20 years of the ALLIANCE, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing some of the resources that continue to support better health and wellbeing?

As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, we’re resharing our Self Management 101 playlist on YouTube.

The short videos offer an introduction to:
- What self management is (and what it isn’t)
- The different types of supported self management
- How self management can help people take an active role in their health and wellbeing

Whether you’re new to the concept or looking for a quick refresher, they’re well worth a watch: https://ow.ly/QlPN50ZJgZi

Self management refers to a way of living and working that means that we all, but especially those of us living with long term conditions, feel more in contr...