Our latest SMS HUB session took young people on a journey through the past, present, and future, exploring how life has changed over time and imagining what the future might look like for the next generation.
We came together online for an evening full of creativity, conversation, and time travelling fun, while also reflecting on their own experiences, hopes, and ideas about growing up. Commenting on the session, Eilidh Findlay, Coordinator at Children’s Health Scotland said:
The SMS HUB creates a safe and welcoming space where young people can share their thoughts, learn from one another, and explore their experiences in creative ways. Self-management skills sit at the heart of these sessions—supporting young people to build confidence, understand their feelings, communicate with others, and feel more in control of their health and wellbeing.
This SMS HUB session supported the development of self-management skills by encouraging young people to reflect on their own experiences, express their thoughts and feelings, and learn from others in a supportive environment. Activities like writing letters to their past and future selves helped build self-awareness and emotional reflection, while group discussions strengthened communication and listening skills. By exploring change over time and thinking about their own hopes and goals, young people were able to develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of control over their health and wellbeing—key elements of self-management.
Starting Our Time Travel Adventure
We kicked off the session with a fun time travel scavenger hunt, challenging young people to find:
- Something old
- Something that represents life now
- Something they think people in the future might still use
The activity sparked lots of laughter and conversation as everyone shared their items and talked about how quickly the world changes over time.
Blast From the Past
One of the highlights of the evening was our interactive quiz, where young people were shown pictures of old objects and challenged to guess what they were and what they were used for. From cassette tapes to rotary phones and video tapes, the quiz led to lots of funny reactions and discussions about what life was like growing up before smartphones, streaming services, and social media. It was a great way to compare different generations experiences and think about how technology continues to shape childhood and everyday life.
Letters Through Time
The main creative activity invited young people to write letters to either their past selves or their future selves. Some reflected on advice they would give to a younger version of themselves, while others imagined what they hoped their lives, and the world, might look like in the future. The activity created space for thoughtful conversations about growing up, confidence, hopes, and goals, while also encouraging creativity and self expression.
Sharing Memories and Imagining the Future
Throughout the session, young people discussed how things were different when their parents and carers were growing up compared to life today. Conversations explored everything from old technology and games to ideas about what future generations might experience.
Building Confidence Through Conversation
As with all SMS HUB sessions, the evening focused not only on having fun but also on helping young people build confidence, communication skills, and connections with others. It was wonderful to see young people sharing ideas, listening to each other’s experiences, and supporting one another throughout the session.
Looking Ahead
The Time Travel HUB reminded us how powerful it can be to reflect on the past, think about the present, and imagine positive futures together. Through games, creativity, and conversation, young people explored big ideas in a way that felt fun, meaningful, and engaging. We loved travelling through time together and can’t wait to see where the next SMS HUB adventure takes us!
To find out more about the SMS HUB, or to refer your child or young person for an SMS Programme, email us at sms@childrenhealthscotland.org
