Creating more moments that matter for children whose health, wellbeing and rights are most at risk

New three-year funding from People’s Postcode Trust, made possible by players of Postcode Lottery, will help Children’s Health Scotland continue supporting children and families facing disability, poverty, health inequality and disadvantage.

Children’s Health Scotland is delighted to announce that it has secured £48,000 over three years from People’s Postcode Trust, thanks to funds raised by players of Postcode Lottery. The unrestricted award will provide vital stability, enabling the charity to continue supporting children and families whose health, wellbeing and rights are most at risk across Scotland.

The funding will help sustain and strengthen Children’s Health Scotland’s Health Rights, Health and Wellbeing and Care Experienced Services, including rights-based information, advice and advocacy; Self-Management Skills (SMS) programmes; family support; opportunities for children and young people to influence change through Health Rights Defenders; and targeted support for children whose health rights are most at risk.

This includes place-based work in communities experiencing deprivation, such as Cranhill, where children and families often face multiple barriers linked to poverty, disability, poor health and access to support.

The award follows a successful year in which Children’s Health Scotland supported 10642 parents and carers and 8,955 children and young people, helping them better understand their health rights, access services and build confidence in managing their health and wellbeing. Funding from People’s Postcode Trust also supported targeted work in Cranhill, including SMS:FAMILIES and school-based programmes, helping reduce barriers to participation and tackle the impact of inequality.

Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, said:

We are incredibly grateful to People’s Postcode Trust and the players of Postcode Lottery for making this funding possible. This award provides much-needed stability and allows us to continue supporting children and families who face significant challenges due to disability, poverty, poor health and inequality. We know that many of the children we support experience barriers that other children simply do not face. Through our programmes, we help children build confidence, improve their wellbeing, understand their health rights and develop the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. At Children’s Health Scotland, we believe that small moments that matter can change a child’s path forever. A new friendship, a supportive conversation, learning a new skill, feeling listened to or taking part in a special day out can all become moments that matter. Thanks to this funding, we can continue creating those moments that matter through our Self-Management Skills programmes, family support and opportunities for children to connect, grow in confidence and move forward with hope.

Children’s Health Scotland exists to ensure every child and young person has the right to the best possible health. Through its Health Rights, Health and Wellbeing and Care Experienced Services, the charity works alongside children, young people, families, carers, professionals and communities to improve health outcomes and tackle inequality across Scotland.

As the charity approaches its 50th anniversary on 2 October 2026, the funding provides an important foundation for continuing its work to ensure children and young people whose health, wellbeing and rights are most at risk receive the support they need to thrive.