A Tool Created by Children, for Children — and for the Professionals Who Support Them
Children’s Health Scotland is proud to officially launch the My Health, My Rights Charter Report and accompanying A2 poster — a landmark resource created by children and young people living with health conditions in Scotland.
This Charter is not just a document. It is a declaration. A declaration that every child has the right to the best possible health — and that their voices must be heard, respected, and acted upon.
A Charter Built on Rights, Rooted in Experience
Developed by children and young people aged 5–18, the Charter draws inspiration from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the European Association for Children in Hospital (EACH) Charter. It highlights 10 equally important health rights, chosen and articulated by young people themselves — through their own words, drawings, and lived experiences.
These rights include:
- The right to be heard and respected
- The right to information in a way we understand
- The right to be educated on our health
- The right to safe spaces
- The right to have our beliefs respected, protected and understood
- The right to be me
- The right to access beneficial food and water
- The right to fun
- The right to respect, privacy and dignity
- The right to have a trusted adult stay with us
Created by Children, Not Just for Them
This Charter was shaped by children and young people from across Scotland, including those from Cranhill Primary School, Burgh Primary School, Langbank Primary School, Wishaw Academy, and the Royal Hospitals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Many of these young contributors are part of our Health Rights Defenders — a growing movement of children and young people advocating for health equity and inclusion.
“Sometimes adults don’t understand what it’s like to live with a health condition every day. But when they listen, really listen, it makes things better. That’s why we made the Charter – so they know what we need and how to help.”
— Health Rights Defender, age 14
“Young people like me often get forgotten about. We don’t get to have our voices be centre stage. But with My Health, My Rights – we do.”
— Jess, age 15
A Tool for Professionals — and a Call to Become Health Rights Aware
The accompanying A2 poster is designed as a practical and visual tool for professionals working with children and young people. It offers a clear, accessible summary of the Charter’s rights, making it ideal for display in schools, hospitals, clinics, and community settings. It serves as a reminder that children’s health rights are not optional — they are essential.
This Charter is a tool for everyone in Scotland — especially professionals — to become Health Rights Aware. It supports better conversations, better care, and better outcomes.
“Being Health Rights Aware isn’t just about listening to children — it’s about making sure they have their say and giving them a platform to speak for themselves. This Charter is a testament to what happens when we truly put children at the centre of decision-making. When children and families know their rights, we see better health and wellbeing as a result.
I urge professionals across Scotland to use this tool, take up our training, and embed these rights in practice. And I call on MSPs to do the same — this Charter and report have been sent to you. Now is the time to act.”
— Rhianne Forrest, Officer for Children’s Health Scotland
A Spotlight for Scottish Children’s Health Week
The Charter Report and poster launch today as part of Scottish Children’s Health Week (SCHW), running from 1–7 September. This week is a time to reflect on the importance of listening to children, supporting their wellbeing, and recognising their right to be heard — especially those living with long-term health conditions.
“The Charter is a testament to what happens when children are empowered to speak up and lead. Through creative consultation, health-related play, and rights-based storytelling, Children’s Health Scotland has made children’s rights not just visible, but actionable.”
— Together Scotland Spotlight
What’s Next? Are you Health Rights Aware?
The My Health, My Rights Charter is part of a wider campaign that will build towards Children’s Health Scotland’s 50th Anniversary in October 2026. We invite professionals, organisations, and communities to join us in amplifying these voices and embedding these rights into everyday practice.
📩 To learn more, partner with us, or request printed copies of the Charter and poster, please contact CYPHRS@childrenshealthscotland.org or visit www.childrenshealthscotland.org.
Read the My Health, My Rights Charter and Poster
You can find the Charter and Poster on our official website page which launched TODAY! CLICK HERE.
