Toolkits and Research - Policy and research

Find quality evidence and examples of best practice on women's health, produced or contributed to by the ALLIANCE.

We want women, third sector partners and policy makers to have access to quality evidence on women’s health to help inform their decisions – about their own health journeys, the services they deliver, the policies they put into practice.

Within our women’s health programme we have worked with researchers, third sector partners and communities to produce and contribute to resources that highlight the latest research and best practice around women’s health experiences.

Front cover of Conversation Cafe toolkit. Image shows groups of women in chairs chatting in circles and small groups

Conversation Café toolkit on women’s health

This toolkit brings together resources, recommendations and guidance on hosting independent Conversation Cafes to encourage information sharing and peer support on areas of women’s health. Conversation Cafés can act as spaces for debunking myths and dispelling shame and stigma that may surround many health conditions and experiences.

This toolkit is for anyone who wishing to set up and host their own Conversation Café to discuss women’s health – whether that be with friends, in a workplace, or in the community.

Complimenting the toolkit is a Conversation Café resource hub – found here.

Mapping peer support for women’s health in Scotland: Insight and impact across practice and policy

Report TBC

Women’s experiences of discrimination and the impact on health: research

This Scottish Government report explores the various forms of discrimination that women have experienced – both within and outwith healthcare settings – and the consequences this has had on their health outcomes. The ALLIANCE supported lived experience input into this Scottish Government research, and worked closely with the research team.

Report front cover. Pink to purple gradiant background. Someone's hands holding a tablet with survey questions displayed.

Women’s Health Survey report

This report covers the results of the Women’s Health Survey, conducted by the ALLIANCE in August 2020. This survey was commissioned as part of data gathering to inform the first phase of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan (2021-2024), and sought to better understand women’s experiences of healthcare in Scotland.

Front cover of report. A laptop screen with silhouettes of different women within squares on the screen.

Women’s Health Event report

This report shares findings from events held in January 2021 to gather women’s lived experiences of accessing healthcare in Scotland. These events complemented a survey, and were held to inform the first phase of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan (2021-2024).