Why It's Important You Respond To The Public Consultation

Ever feel like you’re just not being listened to?

The upcoming Public Consultation on Long Covid will allow you to make your voice heard. It provides an opportunity to share your experiences, highlight challenges, and influence the policies and services directly affecting your life. There are changes being proposed and discussed that will impact all of us for a long time.

You can help shape a more informed and supportive approach to Long Covid in Scotland by taking part. And beyond making an impact, sharing your story can feel empowering and cathartic, giving you the chance to speak truth to power.

What Are Public Consultations?

Public consultations allow individuals and groups to give feedback on government plans, policies, or services. For example, the Scottish Government has run consultations on health services, funding priorities, and the National Care Service. Your input helps decision-makers understand what works and what doesn't from the perspective of those directly impacted.

"Consultations can be used to: inform the development of a particular policy, help decisions to be made between alternative policy proposals finalise new legislation before it is implemented."

- Scottish Government Guidance

You can often respond online, making the process accessible from your home. Public consultations usually provide accommodations, such as large print documents or submitting responses via phone. If accessibility is a concern, check the consultation details or contact the organisers for support.

Your Voice Matters

"The Squeaky Wheel Gets The Grease"

Long Covid has affected over 180,000 people in Scotland (ONS, 2024). Yet, one of the most common feelings is that we are not being seen, not being listened to - By responding to consultations:

• You bring lived experience to the table: Policymakers don't understand the day-to-day realities of Long Covid unless we tell them. We must tell them Repeatedly. We must tell them Loudly.

• You challenge assumptions: Sharing your story can highlight service gaps or dispel the myths about Long Covid.

• You influence change: Your input can help secure funding, improve healthcare services, and shape public understanding.

  Practical Steps to Respond

  Here's how you can make your voice count:

  1. Find relevant consultations: Visit Consult.gov.scot or follow Long Covid Scotland's social media for updates. We'll share when there are relevant ones.

  2. Prepare your response: Before starting, jot down key points you want to share. Focus on how Long Covid has impacted you and what changes are needed. Need help with this? Check out our plan for “How to write a Long Covid Impact Statement” 

  3. Answer honestly and clearly: Use plain language and be specific about your experiences. For example, if waiting times for Long Covid clinics have affected you, explain how. If there is no long covid clinic in your area, tell them about that.

  4. Include evidence where possible: If you've seen statistics or studies supporting your experience, mention them. But focus on your lived experience; that's what is most valuable. How has Long Covid affected you at home, school, work and more. This forces them to see us as humans, not statistics.

  5. Check accessibility options: If you're struggling with the format, contact the organisers for help. Most consultations can provide alternative submission methods if needed.

     What Happens After You Respond?

     Once the consultation period closes, the responses are analysed and summarised in a report. This report informs decision-making and is often published online. While change can take time, public input is a critical part of the process. It can help keep Long Covid on the agenda. It can put your experience on the public record.

     Key Take-Aways

     Taking part in public consultations about Long Covid can:

     • Help you feel heard and empowered.

     • Highlight gaps in existing services and policies.

     • Influence real change for better healthcare and support.

     To get started, visit Consult.gov.scot and look for active consultations. Your experience matters and your input could make all the difference for you and others living with Long Covid.

     It can help us keep the pressure on the Government with Long Covid Scotland’s demands.

     See Us. Treat Us. Study Us. 

Four Powerful Things Happen When You Volunteer for A Charity

Volunteering with a charity is about helping others, but did you know it also offers numerous personal benefits, making it a fulfilling and rewarding experience?

On the fence or wondering if it's for you? Here's four reasons to consider:

• Life Satisfaction: Helping others has been shown to increase your overall happiness and life satisfaction.

• Skill Development: Gain new skills or enhance existing ones, which can benefit your personal and professional life.

• Social Connections: Meet new people, get moral support, build friendships, and expand your network.

• Mental Health Benefits: Volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, and provide a sense of purpose.

Why Do People Volunteer for Long Covid Scotland?

Our volunteers either have Long Covid or have someone close in their life who is living with Long Covid. These are some of the most common reasons shared by the volunteer team at Long Covid Scotland:

• Frustration: Feeling frustrated that not enough is being done and choosing to be part of the solution.

• Giving Back: A desire to help your community and support a cause close to your heart.

• Personal Growth: Learning new skills or gaining experience in a different field.

• Professional Development: Enhancing your CV and gaining valuable work experience - or sharing your existing skills.

What if I’m Fatigued?

If you are living with Long Covid, you may find it challenging to engage in tasks, volunteer activities, or employment at the same level or pace as before. Our volunteer team is supportive and understanding of fluctuating symptoms, providing a flexible environment where you can contribute as much or as little as you can. Volunteering with Long Covid Scotland allows you to maintain your skills, utilise your previous experience, and be part of a community that values your contribution and understands your situation.

What Do Long Covid Scotland Volunteers Do?

All sorts of things! Volunteering at Long Covid Scotland can take many forms, from designing social media posts, proofreading letters before they get sent to politicians, attending events, suggesting fundraising ideas or contributing to our committees. Here are some examples to give you an idea -

• Creating Website, Blog, Vlog and Social Media Content

• Administrative Tasks that keep the charity going

• Sharing Petitions

• Protesting and Petitioning Parliament

• Raising Awareness

• Fundraising

You probably have other skills we need that we've not even listed!

This Is Your Chance to Make a Difference.

We're not going to ask you for a big commitment. Most of our volunteers are impacted by Long Covid Fatigue - we get it! But we also know that many people affected by Long Covid, from patients to carers and NHS staff, want to help and have valuable skills and enthusiasm to share.

We're building a team of volunteers where many people can do a little, which will achieve a lot.

Interested in Finding Out More?

Sign up now on our Contact Us page, and we'll give you more information about volunteering.