“We’ve made this video because we want the voices of children with medical conditions to be heard. We want change. We want to make a difference. We made this and we want others to share it.”
– Malak, age 12
At Children’s Health Scotland, we believe children and young people are the experts in their own lives. Today, we are proud to launch a powerful new film created by our Health Rights Defenders, sharing their experiences, perspectives and hopes for the future of children’s healthcare rights in Scotland.
Developed by children and young people with lived experience of health conditions, this film is more than a creative project. It is a call to action. It reminds us that children and young people deserve to be listened to, involved in decisions that affect them, and recognised as active partners in shaping healthcare services.
Throughout the film, our Health Rights Defenders speak openly about what it means to live with a health condition and why healthcare rights matter. Their message is simple but powerful: children and young people deserve a seat at the table.
As 16-year-old Niamh shares:
“It’s okay to be different, because you’re not like everyone else, but neither is everyone else.”
Her words remind us that every child and young person is unique. Being heard, respected and included can make all the difference, particularly for those navigating health challenges alongside everyday childhood experiences.
The film reflects the passion, creativity and determination of our Health Rights Defenders, who wanted to ensure that the voices of children and young people with health conditions are heard loudly and clearly.
Listening to Children Changes Things
Rhianne Forrest, Children’s Health Scotland Officer, said:
“When we truly listen to children and young people, we learn what really matters to them. Their experiences, ideas and solutions can help create better services and better outcomes for children across Scotland. Thanks to the support of The National Lottery Awards for All and the dedication of our Health Rights Defenders, we’ve been able to create a film that puts children’s voices front and centre. This film is a powerful reminder that children and young people deserve a seat at the table when decisions are being made about their health and wellbeing.”
The film is also a celebration of participation in action. It demonstrates what can happen when children and young people are given the opportunity, support and platform to tell their own stories in their own words.
Created By Young People, For Change
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Media Education, who partnered with us throughout this project. Their team worked alongside our Health Rights Defenders to help bring this vision to life, supporting the young people to create a film that is truly authentic, creative and led by their own voices.
We are also incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Awards for All, whose funding made this project possible. Their support enabled our Health Rights Defenders to explore their experiences, develop their ideas and create a film that will help raise awareness of children’s healthcare rights across Scotland.
Most importantly, we want to thank our incredible Health Rights Defenders.
Thank you for sharing your voices, your experiences and your passion. Thank you for speaking up, challenging perceptions and helping others understand why children’s healthcare rights matter.
A special thank you to:
- Emily (11)
- Oona (12)
- Malak (12)
- Elodie (10)
- Niamh (16)
- Ruaridh (11)
- Ethan (9)
- Isha (14)
- Gracie (16)
- Dante (15)
- Sam (14)
- Orla (10)
- Struan (11)
- Arrabella (11)
who generously volunteered their time, creativity and talent to create, edit and direct this film.
This is your story. This is your voice. This is your impact.
As Malak so powerfully reminds us:
“We’ve made this video because we want the voices of children with medical conditions to be heard. We want change. We want to make a difference. We made this and we want others to share it.”
And in the words of Niamh:
“It’s okay to be different, because you’re not like everyone else, but neither is everyone else.”
Together, these messages remind us why children’s healthcare rights matter. Every child deserves to be heard, respected and involved in decisions about their health and wellbeing.
We could not be prouder of what these young people have achieved. Their courage, determination and creativity continue to shape a future where every child and young person is listened to and their rights are respected.
Watch the Film
We invite you to watch, listen and share.
Together, we can help ensure that every child’s voice is heard and that every moment truly matters.
Watch the Health Rights Defenders film here:
Watch the behind the scenes of our Health Rights Defenders film here:
#MyHealthMyRights #HealthRightsDefenders #MomentsThatMatter #ChildrensHealthScotland
WITH THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
