The ALLIANCE has released a comprehensive report and an engaging video documenting their recent annual conference, “Our Voice, Our Rights, Our Future”. This event, held on 1 May 2024, brought together individuals from the third sector, health and social care organisations, and those with lived experience to discuss the future of health and social care in Scotland.

The report offers an in-depth analysis of the key discussions and outcomes from the conference, addressing critical issues such as barriers to equitable healthcare for marginalised groups, including BAME communities, women, and those in deprived areas. It emphasises the crucial role of the third sector in driving health and social care reform and the importance of incorporating lived experiences into policymaking.

Additionally, the report features insights from panels and workshops on co-producing health services, overcoming barriers for ethnic minorities and fostering integration between healthcare and community services. It also includes case studies of innovative creative projects showcased during the event, highlighting the impact of collaborative efforts in strengthening communities.

The conference opened with a keynote address by Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health, and Social Care, setting the tone for a series of discussions and workshops focused on integrating lived experiences into research, innovation and healthcare services. A notable plenary discussion was led by a panel of experts, including Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist for Health at the Scottish Government; academic GP Marianne McCallum; Director of Networking Key Services (NKS) Naina Minhas; and Professor Donna Hall. They shared their perspectives on the investment needed to ensure meaningful community involvement and the co-production of health services.

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Rt. Hon Henry McLeish, Kenny Moffat of the Scottish Dementia Working Group at Alzheimer Scotland, and Sara Redmond, Chief Officer at The ALLIANCE, providing valuable insights into the future of health and social care in Scotland.

You can read The ALLIANCE’s conference report for a detailed look at the discussions, workshops and creative elements that made the conference a success: The ALLIANCE | 2024 annual conference report. The conference video also offers highlights and feedback from delegates on the day: The ALLIANCE | 2024 annual conference video.

Links

---