Christmas is a season filled with moments that matter. The excitement of opening a card from a loved one. The smile that comes from seeing a familiar handwriting on an envelope. The simple reminder that someone is thinking of you. For children and young people living with long-term health conditions, those moments matter more than […]
News and Events
The Power of Play: Why Every Child’s Right to Play is a Health Right
When we think about children’s health, our minds often turn to hospitals, appointments, treatments and medicines. Yet health is about so much more than healthcare. It is about feeling connected, building confidence, developing friendships, expressing creativity and experiencing joy. At the heart of all these things is something every child deserves: play. For many children, […]
On Our Way: Sharing Scotland’s Children’s Health Rights Journey at EACH 2026
Children’s Health Scotland was proud to represent Scotland at the EACH Sharing Meeting 2026 in Varese, Italy, where organisations from across Europe came together to share learning, celebrate achievements, and discuss how we can continue to improve the experiences and rights of children and young people in healthcare. As Scotland’s representative within the European Association […]
A Magical Halloween Adventure with Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Wands at the ready! This October, children and young people from across Scotland were invited to step into the wizarding world for a truly magical SMS:HUB as we welcomed back our special friends from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. For one enchanting hour, our young witches, wizards and magical […]
Home Is Where Healing Happens: Why Hospital at Home Supports Children’s Healthcare Rights
A report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlights the growing impact of Scotland’s Hospital at Home programme, revealing that 340 babies and children received care through neonatal and paediatric Hospital at Home services between November 2025 and April 2026. Instead of spending days or weeks in hospital, many children were able to receive treatment, monitoring and […]
Health Rights Cannot Depend on a Postcode: Why the Latest RCPCH Findings Matter
On 23 September 2026, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) published new Scotland-focused findings from its State of Child Health 2026 report. The findings paint a concerning picture of children’s health across Scotland, highlighting persistent and widening inequalities linked to poverty and deprivation. Children living in Scotland’s poorest communities continue to experience […]
20 Years of GIRFEC: Are We Getting it Right for Every Child?
This year marks a significant milestone as Scotland celebrates 20 years of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), the national approach designed to ensure that children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time. Since its introduction, GIRFEC has transformed how services work together, placing children’s wellbeing at the centre […]
Building a Health Rights Aware Future: Children’s Health Rights Training with the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow
Every child and young person has the right to be heard, respected and involved in decisions about their healthcare. Yet through our On My Way report and the voices of our Health Rights Defenders, we know that children and young people do not always experience healthcare in a way that fully respects their rights. That […]
Looking forward to the future and Care Experienced Week 2026
As Scotland prepares to mark Care Experienced Week 2026 (26 October – 1 November), Children’s Health Scotland is highlighting the voices, achievements and aspirations of the care experienced children and young people it supports across the country.
Turn Your Challenge into Moments That Matter
Your Challenge. Their Moment. Create #MomentsThatMatter. What if your next challenge could change a child’s life? A 5K run. A sponsored walk. A bake sale at work. A coffee morning with friends. A cycle, a swim, a climb, a quiz night, or even something completely unique. Whatever challenge you choose, you have the power to […]
