Children’s Health Scotland has launched its new Moments That Matter campaign, shining a spotlight on the everyday moments, relationships and experiences that can make a lasting difference to the health and wellbeing of children, young people and families across Scotland.
For many families, particularly those navigating long-term health conditions, disability, poverty, trauma or inequality, it is often the small moments that have the greatest impact. A trusted conversation, a warm welcome, time spent together, being listened to, making a new friend, or taking part in an activity can help children feel safer, more connected, more confident and better able to manage the challenges they face.
The campaign has been inspired by the findings of Children’s Health Scotland’s forthcoming Health Rights Report, which will be launched at the charity’s My Health, My Rights Conference on 2 October 2026. Through surveys, participation activities and conversations with children and young people across Scotland, the charity heard repeatedly that positive relationships, being listened to, feeling included and having trusted adults around them can significantly influence their experiences of health and wellbeing.
Through the campaign, Children’s Health Scotland is encouraging organisations, professionals, communities and families to recognise the importance of creating positive experiences and meaningful connections that support children’s health and wellbeing.
The campaign recognises that good health is about far more than medical treatment. It is about relationships, belonging, participation and ensuring that every child feels heard, valued and supported.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, said:
“At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that some of the most powerful changes in a child’s life come from moments that may seem small to others. A child being listened to. A family feeling supported. A young person making a new friend. A trusted adult taking time to understand what matters to them. Through our Health Rights Survey and the conversations that informed our forthcoming Health Rights Report, children and young people consistently told us that relationships matter. They spoke about the importance of kindness, trust, inclusion, friendship and feeling listened to. The Moments That Matter campaign has grown directly from those voices.”
“For children and families experiencing poverty, trauma, disability or long-term health conditions, positive moments and relationships can help build confidence, resilience and wellbeing. These moments remind children that they matter, that their voices matter, and that they are not facing challenges alone. We hope this campaign encourages organisations, professionals, communities and families across Scotland to think about the role they can play in creating moments that help children feel safe, respected, included and supported.”
The campaign builds on Children’s Health Scotland’s long-standing commitment to a child-centred, rights-based and trauma-informed approach that places children and families at the heart of decision-making.
Throughout the campaign, Children’s Health Scotland will share stories, experiences and examples of moments that have made a meaningful difference to children, young people and families across Scotland, while encouraging others to share their own experiences using #MomentsThatMatter.
The findings of the Health Rights Report will be formally launched at the charity’s My Health, My Rights Conference on 2 October 2026, bringing together children, young people, families, professionals and decision-makers to discuss how Scotland can continue to improve children’s health rights and experiences.
