Tanya Richards is the deserving recipient of this year’s Health and Wellbeing Award, recognised for the exceptional commitment, compassion and dedication she brings to her role as Team Leader within the Children and Families Service at Wellbeing Scotland.
Her work has made a significant difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families, earning the admiration of colleagues and the judges of the Scottish Children’s Health Awards alike.
Nominated by Emma Jackson from Wellbeing Scotland, Emma explained how Tanya always goes above and beyond in her role. She said:
In one example, Tanya, supported by her team, worked with a young person over a number of months providing consistent therapeutic support while also advocating on her behalf. This included supporting the young person to access relevant services when needed and empowering her to become involved in a new working group aimed at influencing change and supporting other children and young people living through similar experiences.
Emma added:
Tanya is often the first point of contact for families accessing the service, providing a safe, supportive and nurturing approach. Through her leadership, ongoing support of the team and delivery of one-to-one counselling, Tanya has played a key role in the success of the redesigned service and the positive outcomes achieved for children, young people and their families.
Praise indeed for Tanya and, upon hearing she had won the award, she was both surprised and humbled.
I am truly honoured to receive this award, and I am at a loss for words. It brings me immense happiness to be considered for this recognition, let alone to win it. The effort and dedication I put into my work stem from my commitment to ensuring that everyone who engages with the service has the best possible experience.
For Tanya, supporting children and young people is far more than a profession. It is a responsibility she takes on with genuine care, empathy and understanding every day. Through her role at Wellbeing Scotland, she works with young people who have experienced child abuse, helping them navigate some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
She explained:
At Wellbeing Scotland, I support children and young people who have been impacted by child abuse. My role is to provide a safe, supportive space where they can begin to make sense of their experiences at their own pace.
I’m often one of the first people they meet during the intake process, so it’s important to me that they feel listened to, respected, and in control from the very beginning. I want them to know that accessing support is their choice, and that we’re here to walk alongside them, not tell them what to do.
Creating that sense of trust is vital, particularly when children and young people may be facing uncertainty, fear or trauma. Tanya’s calm and compassionate approach helps ensure they feel valued and heard from the very first interaction. Alongside her leadership responsibilities, Tanya is also a counsellor, supporting young people as they work through their experiences and begin rebuilding confidence in themselves and their futures.
She said:
I support children and young people to understand how their experiences have affected them, recognise their strengths, and build confidence in who they are. There are difficult moments along the way, and sessions can involve tears, frustration, or sadness, but they can also be filled with hope, laughter, and achievement. It’s a privilege to be trusted with someone’s story and to support them as they move towards a future that feels safer, more hopeful, and more their own.
The awards panel was particularly impressed by Tanya’s leadership during the implementation of a new support pathway for children, young people and families. Her guidance and commitment have helped ensure those affected by some of the most traumatic experiences imaginable are able to access support in a safe, effective and compassionate way.
While the role can involve meeting families during some of the toughest moments of their lives, Tanya says the most rewarding part of her work comes when young people begin to trust her enough to share their experiences and take positive steps forward.
When a child or young person opens up about what they’re experiencing, it signifies that they are starting to trust me and that the hard work we’ve put into building our relationship has paid off. Then again, at the end of the counselling journey, it’s wonderful to see them move forward and tackle new challenges. This is a time filled with hope.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, said:
Tanya’s compassion, dedication and commitment to placing children and young people at the centre of everything she does truly sets her apart. Through her leadership and direct support, she helps children and families navigate some of the most difficult experiences imaginable while ensuring they feel listened to, respected and valued. Tanya is an incredibly deserving recipient of this year’s Health and Wellbeing Award.
Tanya’s dedication and hard work were celebrated at the awards ceremony, where she joined fellow nominees and winners from across Scotland. Although she admits she was unsure what to expect, she was excited to be part of the occasion and to have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those working to improve the lives of children and young people.
This was all a new experience for me, so very exciting and a little nerve-wracking because I didn’t know what to expect. However, it was a really lovely day.
Through her compassion, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting children and young people, Tanya Richards has made a lasting difference to countless lives. She is a worthy recipient of the Health and Wellbeing Award 2026.
Join Us for Scottish Children’s Health Week
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards are part of Scottish Children’s Health Week, a national celebration of children and young people’s health, wellbeing and rights. From inspiring award winner stories to activities, resources and opportunities to get involved, Scottish Children’s Health Week shines a spotlight on the importance of ensuring every child understands their rights and has the support they need to thrive.
Whether you’re a child, young person, parent, carer, professional or supporter, we’d love you to join the conversation. Share your messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2026, explore this year’s activities, and help us create a Scotland where every child is #HealthRightsAware.
Visit https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scottish-childrens-health-week/ to learn more, download resources, and discover how you can take part in Scottish Children’s Health Week 2026.
Want to Nominate for 2027?
Do you know an individual or team who is making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland? The Health and Wellbeing Award recognises those whose care, compassion, support, treatment or advocacy is helping children and young people lead healthier, happier lives. Nominations for the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2027 are now open.
To nominate for the Health and Wellbeing Award, visit:
https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/awards/health-and-wellbeing-award/
