
The Healthcare Rights Award acknowledges extraordinary steps taken by a team to advance the healthcare rights of children and young people. It’s a “thank you” in recognition of the difference made to a child’s world. Today we are delighted to unveil our Healthcare Rights, Scottish Children’s Health Award winner as Changing our World, the children and young people’s advisory group for Children in Scotland. Their story is captured below by journalist and TV Presenter Catriona Shearer.
The Changing Our World group, ranging in age from 8 – 25, with different backgrounds, ideas, experiences, and views, work with Children in Scotland to influence all aspects of its work to ensure it’s relevant to the lives of children and young people
Roderick, a member of Changing Our World, says it’s really important to have a voice. “It’s essential for children and young people to have a say in organisations that aim to help people our age. We meet every month, either online or in person, to discuss important topics for children and young people, including health issues like vaping.
“Vaping amongst young people has been a massive problem in my community and it’s great to see the issue brought to everyone’s attention,” he says. “I was one of the people who really wanted Changing our World to talk about the issue, so winning the award is a big encouragement for me personally.”
Parisa Shirazi, Senior Policy, Projects and Participation Officer at Children in Scotland nominated Changing Our World in recognition of how the group chooses issues they’re passionate about and work hard to bring about change. “I nominated them because of their dedication to improving the rights of children and young people all over Scotland.”
Parisa enjoys supporting Changing Our World members to work on the issues they care about. “I see my job as providing that support and structure for them to share their views in ways that work for them. I particularly enjoy seeing members grow in confidence in areas they initially would have felt more nervous about, such as public speaking and working with MSPs.”
It’s that sense of sharing views and working with others that Roderick really enjoys too and gets a lot from. “It’s great to meet up with people from across the country and share our experiences of the problems that face children and young people today. Also, we get free pizza!”
The Children’s Health Scotland judging panel recognised the importance of the group being children-led and having the opportunity to share their experiences and views. The panel also was also impressed with the interaction with the Minister for public health and women’s health.
Parisa echoes that sentiment and says she would like the legacy of this award to be that Changing Our World – and other children and young people across Scotland are motivated to keep their views, and to see that their voices matter.
Congratulations to Changing Our World, on winning the Healthcare Rights Award.
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