National Health Networks Parliamentary Exhibition – Feed Back

CHEX in collaboration with Voluntary Health Scotland, Community Food and Health Scotland and UK Public Health Association found the opportunity to present a joint exhibition in the Scottish Parliament ( 26^th/27^th/28^th Feb.) interesting, worthwhile and one to be repeated next year!  See pictured at the Parliament Alex Salmond with Shona Cargill from Change Works.  The event enabled Network members to raise awareness with MSP and develop dialogue on:

• the unique contribution that Scotland’s community and voluntary sectors bring to tackling health inequalities and social inclusion
• the experience and understanding that the community and voluntary sectors bring to policy, planning and service delivery at all levels
• the commitment required to ensure that the community and voluntary sectors receive the support necessary to maximise their reach, impact and influence
• the need for a concerted effort from planners, funders and decision-makers to ensure that the community and voluntary sectors’ contribution is maximised in improving Scotland’s health and wellbeing.

However, if the initiative is repeated again next year, greater attention should be paid to: 

• ensuring that Network members contact local MPSs beforehand, making them aware of the exhibition and providing relevant information on community and voluntary sector health activity on the ground.
• investigating the specific interest of different MSPs and target with relevant information.
• developing greater awareness of debates being held in the Chamber and at other meetings
• establishing clarity on the role of the press/media with preparation on how best to respond to any approaches.

If you would like any further information on the Parliamentary Exhibition, please contact Janet Muir on Janet@scdc.org.uk.

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For more information on sustainability you can download the CHEX Briefing 'Routes to Sustainability' by clicking here (pdf file, 1.19MB).   N.B. A limited number of hard copies are currently available - please send an e-mail request, including postal details, to Tom Warrington at chexadmin@scdc.org.uk.