Scotland’s children cannot wait. Right now, thousands of children and young people face long waits for health support, struggle with inequality, and experience barriers to accessing the care they deserve. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) guarantees every child the right to the highest attainable standard of health — yet too many are being left behind.
Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
Location: Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling
#MyHealthMyRights #HealthRightsAware
The time for promises has passed. The time for action is now. . Our conference will mark 50 years of Children’s Health Scotland as a registered Scottish charity and will also mark the launch of our National Health Rights Report — building on decades of advocacy, including our Parental Access and Family Facilities Report first published in 1985. It’s more than a call to action — it’s a movement shaped by those who matter most. Created with and for children, young people, and families, this event is led by our Health Rights Defenders. These are a group of passionate children and young people who advocate for the health rights of all young people in Scotland. They share their lived experiences of managing health conditions to raise awareness, influence policy, and ensure that every child understands and can access their rights to health, education, and wellbeing. Through creative projects, campaigns, and storytelling, they amplify voices that are often unheard and help shape a more inclusive and rights-aware society. It is their voices, experiences, and ideas that will drive our conversations as we work together to turn commitments into reality.
Our theme, My Health, My Rights, underscores our unwavering commitment to Article 24 of the UNCRC and the European Association for Children in Hospital and Healthcare (EACH) Charter. We aim to ensure that every child’s right to health is upheld wherever children are — in hospitals, clinics, schools, homes, and communities. This day will spotlight and amplify the voices of Health Rights Defenders — children and young people with lived experience navigating healthcare systems.
Highlights of the day:
- Keynote sessions from leading voices in health, rights, and policy.
- Launch of the National Health Rights Report, setting out the state of children’s health rights in Scotland.
- Interactive workshops on trauma-informed care, self-management skills, health-related play, and inclusive practice.
- Panel debate on the future of children’s health and rights in Scotland.
Exhibitors & Networking:
Explore our Market Place, the vibrant hub of the conference. Here you’ll find a wide range of exhibitors showcasing innovative resources, tools, and ideas to support children’s health and wellbeing. It’s also the perfect space to network, share experiences, and build connections with fellow professionals and families.
Who should attend?
If you work with or support children and young people in healthcare, education, social services, voluntary organisations — or are a parent or carer — this is your opportunity to learn, connect, and influence Scotland’s future for children’s health and rights.
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