We are so excited to share our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes for 2026 – a year packed with connection, creativity, confidence-building and fun. Whether you’re a young person, a family member, or a professional supporting a child or young person, our SMS Programmes are designed for young people and support them to build the skills they need to manage and support their health and wellbeing in their own way.
Our programmes are playful, empowering and rights-based – and most importantly, shaped around the real experiences of young people
What are the SMS Programmes?
Our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes support children and young people aged 9–17 who have something going on with their health.
No formal diagnosis is needed.
Through games, creative activities, shared experiences and gentle skill-building, young people:
- Build confidence and self-belief
- Learn tools to manage their health and wellbeing
- Connect with other young people who get it
- Have fun in a safe, supportive space
SMS: Face-to-Face – Starting February 2026
Our first in-person SMS Programme of 2026 kicks off in February, bringing young people together to learn, play and connect.
Start date: Saturday 21 February 2026
Duration: 6 weeks
Session times:
- Ages 9–12: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Ages 13–17: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
These relaxed, welcoming sessions are a chance to build skills week by week, develop friendships, and feel part of a group that understands health challenges.
SMS: Face-to-Face in Edinburgh – Autumn 2026
We’re delighted to be returning to Edinburgh later in the year.
Venue: Eric Liddell Centre
Programme dates: Saturday 29 August – Saturday 10 October 2026
Duration: 6 weeks
Session times remain the same:
- Ages 9–12: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Ages 13–17: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
This programme is perfect for young people who enjoy learning in-person, taking part in hands-on activities, and building strong peer connections in a friendly community setting.
SMS:CONNECT – Online Programme (Winter 2026)
Our SMS:CONNECT Programme is back this winter, offering the same supportive SMS experience in an online format.
Start date: Monday 26 October 2026
End date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Duration: 6 weeks
When: Mondays and Thursdays
Session times:
- Ages 9–12: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
- Ages 13–17: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
SMS:CONNECT is ideal for:
- Young people living in rural or remote areas
- Those who may feel more comfortable joining from home
- Young people whose health makes in-person sessions harder to access
Connecting online doesn’t mean missing out – these sessions are interactive, fun and designed to help young people feel seen, heard and supported.
SMS:HUB – Staying Connected Beyond the Programme
Our SMS:HUB is a safe, inclusive online community for young people who have taken part in an SMS Programme.
Once young people complete an SMS Programme, they are invited to join SMS:HUB, where they can:
- Stay connected with other young people who understand their experiences
- Continue building confidence and self-management skills
- Take part in fun, creative and interactive sessions
- Have a space where their voices are valued and respected
SMS:HUB meets monthly online and provides a gentle, supportive way for young people to keep in touch, share experiences and feel part of the wider SMS community.
Participation in SMS:HUB helps young people build ongoing peer connections and reinforces the skills and confidence gained during their SMS Programme.
What young people say:
- “I didn’t feel weird talking about my health here. Everyone just understood.” (Age 11)
- “SMS helped me feel more confident speaking up about what I need.” (Age 14)
- “I made friends who actually get what it’s like. That’s my favourite part.” (Age 13)
- “Meeting online made it easier for me to join in, especially on days when my health is bad.” (Age 16)
Who can take part?
- Young people aged 9–17
- Have something going on with their health
- No diagnosis or label required
Young people can be:
- Self-referred
- Referred by family members or carers
- Referred by professionals including teachers, nurses, youth workers, GPs and other support staff
Why refer to an SMS Programme?
Because every young person deserves the chance to:
- Feel confident managing their health
- Learn practical skills they can use every day
- Know they are not alone
- Have fun while learning and connecting
Our SMS Programmes are about building strengths, celebrating individuality and creating spaces where young people can truly be themselves.
Ready to refer or find out more?
If you know a young person who would benefit from our SMS Programmes in 2026, we would love to hear from you. You can refer using our easy online referral from. CLICK HERE TO REFER
If you have any questions you can also email Eilidh on sms@childrenshealthscotland.org
Whether you’re a young person, family member, or professional, now is the perfect time to get involved and help young people build skills that last a lifetime.
Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, connection and self-management together.
