The time for promises has passed. The time for action is now.
This is your opportunity to hear directly from children and young people, gain practical insight, and play a part in shaping the future of children’s health and rights in Scotland through shared learning, discussion, and collective action.
Throughout the day, you’ll be invited to reflect, share your insights, and contribute to a collective voice that will help shape what comes next for children’s health and rights in Scotland.
Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
Location: Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling
#MyHealthMyRights #HealthRightsAware
This conference marks 50 years of Children’s Health Scotland and the launch of our National Health Rights Report — building on decades of advocacy, starting with our Parental Access and Family Facilities Report in 1985. More than a conference, this is a movement shaped by those who matter most. Created with and for children, young people, and families, the day is led by our Health Rights Defenders — young people with lived experience of health conditions who are driving change across Scotland. Through storytelling, creativity, and advocacy, they are ensuring that every child understands and can access their rights to health, education, and wellbeing. Their voices, experiences, and ideas will shape the conversations as we work together to turn commitments into reality.
Our theme, My Health, My Rights, reflects our commitment to Article 24 of the UNCRC and the EACH Charter — ensuring every child’s right to health is upheld wherever they are: in hospitals, schools, homes, and communities. Hear directly from children and young people navigating healthcare today — and be part of creating a more rights-aware, inclusive future.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM THE DAY
- Insight from leading voices in health, rights, and policy
- First access to the National Health Rights Report
- Practical learning through interactive workshops
- New ideas and connections to support your work
- A chance to be part of real, lasting change
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
- Keynote sessions from sector leaders
- Launch of the National Health Rights Report
- Interactive workshops on trauma-informed care, self-management, play, and inclusion
- Panel debate on the future of children’s health and rights
WORKSHOPS
Our interactive Conference Workshops bring the theme My Health, My Rights to life, offering something for everyone—from creative, hands-on sessions and inspiring storytelling to practical support and new ways of thinking about children’s health and wellbeing. Whether you’re a professional, parent, carer, or young person, these workshops are designed to spark ideas, share real experiences, and leave you with something you can take forward.
EXHIBITORS AND 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.
