Children and young people in East Renfrewshire have spent their summer building confidence, making new friends and developing practical skills to support their health and wellbeing through Children’s Health Scotland’s Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programme.
Delivered during the summer holidays at Maxwell Mearns Castle Parish Church Hall in Newton Mearns, the six-session programme supported 15 children and young people aged 8 to 13 years. Many attended having experienced anxiety, low confidence or social isolation, with personal goals focused on feeling less anxious, making friends and becoming more confident.
The programme was delivered in partnership with Family First in East Renfrewshire, which supported referrals, venue provision and family engagement, helping to ensure children and young people could access the support they needed.
Before the programme began, each child and their parent or carer took part in a one-to-one meeting with Children’s Health Scotland staff. Family First also organised a pre-programme scavenger hunt, giving families the opportunity to meet each other and a member of the Children’s Health Scotland team in a relaxed setting. This additional support helped many children and young people arrive at their first session feeling more comfortable and confident.
Over two weeks, children and young people took part in a wide range of fun, interactive activities designed to help them better understand their health and wellbeing, manage stress, develop communication skills, learn about their health rights and build positive relationships with others.
For many participants, the programme transformed what could have been a difficult or isolated summer experience into one filled with connection, learning and achievement.
Ten-year-old participant Michael Quinn said:
I enjoyed the summer programme! I had lots of fun, made new friends and enjoyed all the activities. Everyone was friendly and I would definitely love to come back again!
One parent described the positive change they saw in their daughter:
I am surprised and delighted that my daughter got so much out of this group. She has been glowing. Usually trying new things is very challenging for her, but the approach of the group leaders and the activities made her very comfortable from day one.
Another parent highlighted the difference the programme made for their son, who had felt anxious about attending:
I am proud that my son participated in the programme and delighted that he wanted to attend every day after initially being very anxious on the first day. He said it was fun and interesting. An important point to note for us was that it got him mixing with other children over the holidays. He wouldn’t have had that opportunity as he hasn’t made any friends yet. It is a fab programme.
One family reflected on the longer-term impact the programme has had on their children:
Both my children have been through a challenging time over the past couple of years which has really dented their confidence. This programme has definitely helped them to feel more hopeful about the future and what they can achieve. Thank you.
As the programme progressed, staff observed children and young people becoming increasingly comfortable, participating more confidently in group activities and developing meaningful friendships. By the final session, children who had initially been reluctant to speak were chatting freely, supporting one another and celebrating each other’s achievements.
Across the programme:
- 100% of children and young people made progress towards their personal goals
- 100% reported a better understanding of their health rights
- 74% felt they had a better understanding of their health and wellbeing
- 68% felt more socially included
- 62% felt more confident
- 62% reported improved communication skills
- 62% felt better able to cope with stress
The programme also provided opportunities for children and young people to learn practical self-management techniques they can continue using at home, including relaxation exercises, stress management strategies, realistic thinking, goal setting and healthy routines.
Helen Bauld, Programme, Training and Funding Manager at Children’s Health Scotland, said:
Every child has the right to the best possible health, the right to play, the right to have their views heard and taken seriously, and the right to develop to their full potential. In Scotland, these rights are protected in law through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Our Self-Management Skills Programme brings those rights to life, providing children and young people with opportunities to connect with others, have fun, learn new skills and build the confidence and resilience they need to support their health and wellbeing.
The summer holidays can be particularly challenging for children and young people who experience anxiety or struggle with confidence, friendship groups or social situations. Through this programme, children and young people had opportunities to enjoy their right to play, build positive relationships, develop skills to support their health and wellbeing, and learn more about their rights in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. By listening to children, responding to their individual needs and providing the right support at the right time, we are helping them achieve the wellbeing outcomes at the heart of Getting it Right for Every Child.”
The work of Children’s Health Scotland is also guided by the principles of the EACH Charter, which recognises that children and young people should be treated with dignity and respect, have their views listened to and be fully involved in decisions about their health and wellbeing. During the programme it was inspiring to see children who arrived feeling very anxious gradually grow in confidence, begin to trust one another, develop friendships and feel able to express themselves and participate fully in the group. Helen added:
One of the most rewarding outcomes was seeing children and young people become more connected, more resilient and more confident in understanding both their health and their rights. By the final session they were encouraging one another, trying new activities, celebrating each other’s achievements and enjoying the friendships they had built over the summer. Seeing those changes in just six sessions demonstrates the difference early support can make in helping children and young people thrive.
Children’s Health Scotland would like to thank the Agnes Hunter Trust, Cash for Kids, The National Lottery Community Fund, Hugh Fraser Foundation, People’s Postcode Lottery and the Pixel Fund for making programmes like this possible. Their support is helping children and young people across Scotland gain the confidence, knowledge and self-management skills they need to look after their health and wellbeing, while creating opportunities to connect with others, reduce isolation and realise their rights.
As a result of the positive experience, many participants and families have already expressed interest in continuing their journey with Children’s Health Scotland through future activities and the SMS:HUB, ensuring that the friendships, confidence and skills developed over the summer can continue to grow long after the programme has ended.
