Sometimes the most powerful advocacy doesn’t come from reports, policy papers or presentations. It comes from children taking time to sit down, think carefully, and write from the heart.
Some of our Health Rights Defenders — Arrabella, Emily, Gracie, Isha, Malak, Niamh, Orla and Sam — have written personal letters to Scotland’s First Minister, inviting him to attend our My Health, My Rights Conference. These letters were not rushed. They were not scripted. They were written in the children’s own words, handwriting and style. We are sharing these letters exactly as they were written, because at Children’s Health Scotland we believe that children and young people are experts in their own lives and their voices deserve to be heard.
What is the My Health, My Rights Conference?
The My Health, My Rights Conference takes place on Friday 2 October 2026 at Stirling Court Hotel. The conference marks two important moments:
- 50 years of Children’s Health Scotland
- the launch of our National Health Rights Report. This will be from the findings from our My Health, My Rights Survey. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE.
The day will bring together children and young people with lived experience of health conditions, families, professionals, decision‑makers and organisations from across Scotland to focus on one clear message:
children’s health rights cannot wait.
At the heart of the day are our Health Rights Defenders — children and young people who use their lived experience to raise awareness, influence change and help others better understand what it is like to grow up with a health condition in Scotland today.
Why this conference matters to children
In their letters, the Health Rights Defenders explained why it is important for leaders to listen directly to children.
What Arrabella had to say
I would love for you to come to our My Health My Rights conference.
Arrabella shared how important it is for children with health conditions to feel supported and listened to by those in positions of power.
What Emily had to say:
You will have a wonderful time… you can ask us anything if you have any questions.
Emily wanted to make it clear that this conference is a welcoming space one where open conversations are encouraged and children’s voices are valued.
What Gracie had to say
Meet new people. See what it’s like for young people living with a health condition. To have fun!
Gracie’s reasons were clear and confident — reminding us that learning, connection and enjoyment all have a place in meaningful conversations about rights.
What Isha had to say
Meet and understand children with health conditions in Scotland. Get feedback that could be helpful.
Isha highlighted something essential: the importance of listening to children directly when making decisions that affect their lives.
What Malak had to say
I want some politicians to hear my voice about the struggles in school with a medical condition.
Malak’s words remind us that behind every policy or decision is a child navigating school, health appointments and daily life.
What Niamh had to say
It would be so beneficial to help others better understand what Scotland’s young people are going through.
Niamh focused on understanding and support — and how listening can shape a better future for the next generation.
What Orla had to say
We hope that you will make the right decision.
Orla expressed hope that children’s voices will be taken seriously, and that listening leads to action.
What Sam had to say
It is so important that a politician comes and hears our ideas… so that we can make other young people’s lives better.
Sam captured the heart of the conference: children and young people speaking not just for themselves, but for others too.
Why we are sharing these letters
- We are sharing these letters because this conference is child‑led.
- The Health Rights Defenders asked us to share their words.
- They asked us to make sure their voices reached decision‑makers.
- We believe that listening to children is not optional — it is essential.
- As we prepare for the My Health, My Rights Conference, we are proud to amplify these voices and the experiences behind them.
- Children’s health rights cannot wait.
Children’s Health Scotland is looking forward to hearing the response from our new First Minister, and we hope to welcome him to our My Health, My Rights Conference.
Want to find out more about our Health Rights Defenders? CLICK HERE.
