I am pleased to have been re elected as Chairman of the Association at this crucial point in the development of Community Health Partnerships and Community Health and Care Partnerships. CHPs and CHCPs have a key role in the implementation of 'Delivering for Health' and the Association is keen to support and facilitate sharing of good ideas, networking and learning, both within the NHS and with our Partner organisations.

CHPs and CHCPs are at different stages of their development and, although working to the same guidance and agenda, have quite different challenges, priorities and initiatives. The Association aims to celebrate that diversity, rich knowledge and experience and to provide opportunities for communication and sharing of what works well where and what lessons can be learned from those things that may not have been so successful. The emerging fully integrated health and social care models are of particular interest and we look forward to comparing the range of approaches being adopted across the country. However, our aims are the same, wherever we come from, whatever size our communities, and whatever structures are in place, so we can build from there and support each other as we develop.

We host a major conference annually and also arrange learning and support events.

The Steering Group meets quarterly and the agendas are always very full, as we get to grips with the growing roles and remits and emerging issues.

This website and pages on the e library will also afford excellent networking and learning opportunities.

The Association is delighted to have been able to form links with key Partner organisations such as NES, NHS Health Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Joint Improvement Team, who all attend meetings regularly. Over the course of the next year, we hope to work with other important Partners as we progress jointly to improve public services across Scotland.

The Association Steering Group is very keen to hear from you any issues that you think we should be addressing, any suggestions for Conferences or Learning Events, anything that we could do differently. Please use the links on the website or the contact details to let us know your suggestions. All Associations require dynamic members, we will only be able to make a difference if we engage widely and make the right connections.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Gill McVicar