We are so excited to share that SMS:CONNECT is returning this October, bringing connection, confidence and community straight into young people’s homes.
Starting Monday 26 October, our online programme will run for six weeks, with young people meeting twice a week for fun and supportive sessions where they can be themselves, build friendships and learn valuable self management skills.
🗓️ When does it run?
Mondays and Thursdays over six weeks. Group times
- Ages 9 to 12 meet from 4:30pm to 5:30pm
- Ages 13 to 17 meet from 6pm to 7pm
Referrals are open!
Children, young people and their families can refer today. It is completely Free. You can fill out the form by CLICKING HERE. Once referred a member of our friendly team will get in touch and chat you through the next steps. We match children and young people to SMS Programmes that best suit their needs, so if SMS:CONNECT isn’t the best fit there are many options. If SMS:CONNECT becomes full, we will work with your family for the next available Programme that will fit your needs.
Children are placed on a Programme that best suits their needs and we can stay with children throughout their childhood if they would like.
🌟 What is SMS:CONNECT?
SMS:CONNECT is a free online Self Management Skills programme for children and young people aged 9 to 17 who are living with a health condition or concern. Our sessions are fun and interactive, child led and shaped by young people, and focused on building friendships, confidence and connection. It is a safe space where young people can talk openly and feel understood. Young people can join from wherever they are, whether that is at home, in hospital or resting in their room on a difficult day. SMS:CONNECT makes it easier to stay connected.
📦 A little something special each week
One of the most exciting parts of SMS:CONNECT is what arrives before the programme even begins. Every child receives a free pack in the post filled with six weeks worth of SMS tools. Each week, young people open a new envelope together during the session. Inside are fun activities, helpful tools and a few surprises along the way. It brings a sense of shared excitement to every session and makes the experience feel even more special, whether joining from home or hospital.
💬 Why it matters
We know that living with a long term health condition can feel isolating. Many young people tell us they feel like “the only one”. SMS:CONNECT changes that by creating a space where young people realise they are not alone, others understand what they are going through, and their voices truly matter. One young person aged 14 shared:
I loved SMS. I liked joining online too. It meant if I was having a high pain day I could join from hospital or my room. It was nice to speak to people who just understood.
Helen Bauld, Programmes and Training Manager for Children’s Health Scotland, says:
We know SMS:CONNECT is vital for children who are living in rural areas, who are in hospital or who cannot leave the house due to their health. These programmes are fun, accessible and completely free. I personally love when we play the animal game.
🚀 Who can join?
SMS:CONNECT is open to children and young people aged 9 to 17 who are living with any health condition or concern across Scotland. The programme is completely free to attend. Families can self refer and professionals can refer too. You can refer by CLICKING HERE.
📣 Help us spread the word
We would love to reach as many children and young people as possible this winter, especially those who may be feeling isolated or unsure where to turn. If you are a parent or carer, teacher, youth worker, health professional or someone supporting a young person, please consider making a referral or sharing this opportunity. Because no child should feel like they are the only one.
💙 Ready to join?
Spaces are limited, so we encourage early referrals to secure a place. Let’s make this winter one of connection, confidence and community. Join us at SMS:CONNECT, where young people are heard, supported and never alone.
