Meet Our Health Rights Defenders
Our Health Rights Defenders are a passionate group of children and young people aged 9–17 living with health conditions across Scotland. Children and young people have always informed the work of Children’s Health Scotland. Our Health Rights Defenders were officially formed in 2023, they came together with a shared mission: to shape a future where health rights are not only recognised but truly understood—by children, for children.
Inspired by the UNCRC and the EACH Charter, these young leaders wanted something more personal—rights that reflect their lived experiences and speak directly to the challenges and triumphs of growing up with a disability or health condition. That’s why they helped create the My Health, My Rights Charter, a powerful resource that puts their voices front and centre.
Today, our Health Rights Defenders are leading the way. They inform and inspire the work of Children’s Health Scotland, ensuring that every programme, campaign, and resource is rooted in real-life experiences. Whether they’re creating new materials, speaking out about their rights, or helping professionals understand what health rights really mean, they are changing the landscape of children’s health in Scotland.
They are not just participants—they are trailblazers, advocates, and changemakers. And they’re just getting started.
Michelle Wilson, Head of Children & Young People’s Services
“When we truly listen to children and young people, especially those living with health conditions, we don’t just hear their stories—we hand them the tools to shape their own futures. The Health Rights Defenders are a shining example of what happens when young voices are not only heard but respected. Their work is transforming how we understand health rights in Scotland, and proving that real empowerment begins with giving children ownership over their health and wellbeing.”
Become A Health Rights Defender
The Health Rights Defenders know they can’t do this alone. That’s why they’re calling on professionals, grown-ups, and other young people across Scotland to stand with them and become #HealthRightsDefenders too. You can take part in My Health, My Rights training delivered by Children’s Health Scotland, fundraise to help support their voices, and use the My Health, My Rights Charter to defend every child’s right to the best possible health. Together, we can build a Scotland where every child feels heard, respected, and empowered to take charge of their health and wellbeing. Join the campaign—become a Health Rights Defender today.
Interested in working with us and our Health Rights Defenders? The contact us on CYPHRS@childrenshealthscotland.org – you can also email about training!
What have our Health Rights Defenders been up to?
- You can check out the latest news from our Health Rights Defenders and our work at Children’s Health Scotland by CLICKING HERE.
- We have a full report and poster on our My Health, My Rights Charter. Learn about it’s creation and how it links to the EACH Charter and UNCRC by CLICKING HERE.
- During #ScottishChildrensHealthWeek 2025 our Health Rights Defenders Launch their own stop-motion film called #WaitingOnOurRights. It talks about the experience of being a child or young person on a Waiting List in Scotland. Watch the film and read what they had to say by CLICKING HERE.
- Our Health Rights Defenders have created books designed to help children know their rights in different healthcare settings. These social stories provide a fun and interactive story for children but also have a resource for professionals on the back. You can buy them by CLICKING HERE.
- Want Health Rights Training? Professionals can earn themselves our coveted Health Rights Defenders Badge. Find out more about Health Rights Training by CLICKING HERE. Our Health Rights Defenders are calling on YOU to make sure you are #HealthRightsAware.
- Niamh McGregor (A Young Voice Making a Big Difference) – Niamh was the winner of our 2025 Healthcare Rights Award for our Scottish Children’s Health Awards. Niamh is a passionate Health Rights Defender and has been volunteering with us for a number of years. You can read Niamh’s award story by CLICKING HERE. Niamh also wrote a blog post for Scottish Children’s Health Week 2025, you can read her post by CLICKING HERE.
