Over the past six weeks, children and young people living with long-term health conditions have been taking part in our SMS:FACE TO FACE programme at the Eric Liddell Centre in Edinburgh, supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. Designed to help children and young people develop self-management skills in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment, the programme brought together participants aged 9-17 to explore practical ways of managing their wellbeing, building confidence and connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with a health condition.
Throughout the programme, young people took part in a wide range of interactive activities focused on emotional wellbeing, communication, resilience, self-awareness and positive thinking. They explored strategies to manage worries, celebrated their strengths, developed problem-solving skills and reflected on the important role friendships and support networks can play in their lives.
One of the greatest successes of the programme was seeing friendships flourish. Week by week, young people became more comfortable sharing their views, participating in discussions and supporting one another. Staff observed growing confidence, stronger peer relationships and an increasingly welcoming atmosphere where participants felt able to be themselves.
The programme also highlighted the resilience of children and young people living with health conditions. Despite the challenges that can come with managing a health condition, participants continued to engage, connect and develop new skills. Activities helped young people recognise their strengths, celebrate personal achievements and understand that progress looks different for everyone.
To mark the end of the programme, participants came together for a special celebration session at Dynamic Earth. Young people enjoyed an out-of-this-world experience exploring the interactive exhibits before taking a journey through the stars in the Planetarium. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything they had achieved, recognise the friendships formed throughout the programme and create lasting memories together.
Every child and young person also received recognition for their commitment to the programme, celebrating the confidence, resilience and self-management skills they had developed over the five weeks. With a special celebration session for our 6th and final week.
Programmes like SMS:FACE TO FACE are incredibly important for children and young people living with long-term health conditions. They provide a safe and welcoming space where young people can come together, build friendships, learn about their health rights and develop a greater understanding of their health and wellbeing.
Over the past five weeks, it has been wonderful to see confidence grow, friendships form and young people discover new strengths within themselves. For many participants, the programme offers something they may not always have elsewhere – the chance to meet other young people who understand their experiences and know they are not alone.
It has been an absolute delight to get to know every young person who took part in this programme and watch them support one another along the way. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and look forward to welcoming many of them to our SMS:HUB sessions as they continue their self-management journey.
Rhianne Forrest, Officer, Children’s Health Scotland
A parent whose child took part in the programme shared:
I’m really happy that he feels confident enough to come. It’s the only thing he’s returned to. Seeing him build friendships and enjoy being part of a group again has been amazing.
Parent of an SMS:FACE TO FACE participant
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for making this programme possible. Their support is helping children and young people across Scotland develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to live well with their health conditions. As this group comes to an end, we are incredibly proud of what the young people have achieved. From developing new friendships to discovering practical wellbeing strategies, the impact of the programme will continue long after the final session.
Because when children and young people are given the right support, they don’t just learn to manage their health – they gain the confidence to thrive.
Do you want to take part in our next SMS:FACE TO FACE?
If you’d like to know more then email Niki on sms@childrenshealthscotland.org
