Long Covid Scotland
End-of-Year Review 2024
This year has been a busy time of progress, collaboration, and resilience. Our collective efforts have enabled us to strengthen our internal processes, enhance external engagement, and make a meaningful impact in the Long Covid community. This review highlights the milestones and challenges that have shaped our journey over the past year.
Internal Highlights
Website Update: Significant progress has been made with our website updates, which are currently ongoing, aiming to enhance user experience and accessibility.
Social Media Engagement: We are more active and we are back on LinkedIn, ensuring consistent and impactful engagement across platforms. We have expanded our channels to include Bluesky. We have 757 Facebook Followers, 81.40% women, but through cross-posting we are increasing visibility and engagement. Our top FB post in the last 90 days reached 5,325 with 1,327 engagements. We have 1.4k followers on Instagram, generating over 2k views a month. We have reactivated our LinkedIn page in November, with 127 followers - adding 11 in the first month, with 318 impressions in the first month. On “X” (Twitter) we have over 5k followers getting over 3.1k impressions weekly.
Press Coverage: Quotes / Coverage / Support – Quoted in several articles in national and regional press as well as Radio and TV appearances.
Membership, Recruitment and Induction: We have 202 listed members of Long Covid Scotland. This year, we successfully recruited and inducted: New Trustees (2) and volunteers (9), fostering active participation and expanding our team’s capabilities.
Geographic spread across Scotland. We have trustees and volunteers representing the voice and advocating for those impacted by Long covid from the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, in the West of Scotland, the central belt and in the Borders
Sub-Groups Reinstated: Two sub-groups - Research and Volunteer Support were established and are now fully active, developing focused initiatives and supporting our broader organisational work. Fund raising is established and will commence work in early 2024. The Tee Mill shop is already up and running.
Office Bearer Roles: Adjusted and clarified office bearer roles to align with current needs and priorities, laying the groundwork for a smoother workflow and effective leadership.
AGM Planning: Began planning for our next AGM, ensuring it will be productive and forward-thinking.
External Achievements
National Long Covid Network: Increased activity and focus within the network, contributing to better results-driven discussions and work on behalf of our members: Our chairperson now co-chairs the Network Lived Experience group and we have 2 other members involved.
Key Consultations: Submission and presentation to The Scottish Long Covid Inquiry as well as submission to the UK Covid Inquiry. Participating in Consultation on long-term conditions, providing valuable insights and advocating for those affected by Long Covid.
Collaborative Relationships: Begun and Strengthened partnerships with key organisations, including:
Political Engagement:
Held two meetings with Jenny Minto and one with Neil Gray, ensuring our voice is heard in political spaces.
Organised and participated in a Scottish Parliament event, spotlighting our cause and gaining valuable support.
Active Role in CPG: Played an active role in the Long Covid Cross-Party Group (CPG), contributing meaningfully to discussions and actions.
Research: LCS has been regularly invited as an expert voice to participate in research from Universities in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling & Internationally.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move forward, our focus will remain on advocacy, collaboration, and delivering impactful outcomes. Goals for next year include:
Completing the website update and further enhancing our online presence.
Establishing Governance and Funding raising Sub groups – strengthening our organisational base
Updating our manifesto
Continuing to expand and engage our Trustee /volunteer base.
Deepening our impact within the National Long Covid Network and other key partnerships.
Active participation in Long Term conditions consultation.
Ensuring a successful AGM..
Closing Reflection
2024 has been a busy year, marked by progress and the strengthening of relationships both internally and externally. While there is still much work to be done, Long Covid Scotland remains steadfast in its commitment to driving positive change for those affected by Long Covid. Together, we will continue to build on this year’s efforts and move closer to our shared goals.
Thank you for your continued support.
Long Covid Scotland Trustees