Children’s Health Scotland was proud to represent Scotland at the EACH Sharing Meeting 2026 in Varese, Italy, where organisations from across Europe came together to share learning, celebrate achievements, and discuss how we can continue to improve the experiences and rights of children and young people in healthcare. As Scotland’s representative within the European Association for Children in Hospital (EACH), we were delighted to showcase some of the work that has shaped our year and the progress being made to advance children’s health rights across Scotland.
During the conference, Gwen Garner presented a snapshot of Children’s Health Scotland’s achievements throughout 2026, highlighting the impact of our work with children, young people, families, professionals and decision-makers. The presentation celebrated a landmark year for the charity, including our 50th anniversary, national health rights campaigning, the work of our Health Rights Defenders, Scottish Children’s Health Week, and the continued growth of children’s healthcare rights awareness across Scotland.
Amplifying Young Voices Through Health Rights Defenders
A key focus of the presentation was the work of our Health Rights Defenders, a group of children and young people with health conditions who use their lived experiences to influence change and improve healthcare rights across Scotland. Their voices continue to shape and inform our work, ensuring that children and young people’s experiences remain at the heart of everything we do.
Conference delegates also had the opportunity to view We Want Change, a powerful film created by our Health Rights Defenders. The film shares the realities faced by children and young people navigating healthcare and highlights their calls for improvements in how services are delivered. By screening the film on a European stage, we were able to ensure that the voices of Scotland’s children and young people were heard far beyond our borders, demonstrating the value of meaningful participation and co-production in advancing children’s rights.
The response from delegates reinforced something we already know: children and young people are the experts in their own experiences. When we listen to them, involve them, and act on what they tell us, we create better healthcare systems for everyone.
Showcasing the My Health, My Rights Movement
The presentation also highlighted the success of the My Health, My Rights National Conference, which brought together 160 children and young people, families, professionals and decision-makers to launch the National Health Rights Report 2026. Led by Health Rights Defenders, the conference amplified children’s voices and called for action to ensure every child can access and experience their health rights in Scotland.
Alongside this, delegates learned about Scottish Children’s Health Week 2026 and the Scottish Children’s Health Awards, both of which celebrate children’s voices, recognise achievements, and promote the importance of children’s rights in health and wellbeing.
Learning Together Across Europe
The EACH conference provides an invaluable opportunity for organisations from across Europe to learn from one another. The member presentations are designed specifically to share successful initiatives and examples of good practice that can support children and families in different countries.
By sharing our work, we not only celebrate what has been achieved in Scotland but also contribute to wider European discussions about children’s rights in healthcare. In return, we gain insights and inspiration from colleagues working to improve children’s healthcare experiences in their own countries.
On Our Way, But There Is More To Do
Many of the themes discussed at the conference reflected the findings of our On My Way Report, which explored children’s experiences of healthcare and highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges. The report demonstrated that while important steps have been taken towards ensuring that children are heard, respected and involved in decisions about their care, there is still work to do to ensure every child consistently experiences their rights in practice.
As Scotland’s representative within EACH, Children’s Health Scotland has an important role in sharing these findings internationally and contributing to wider conversations about children’s healthcare rights.
Being Scotland’s representative within EACH gives us an important opportunity to ensure that the voices of children and young people in Scotland are heard across Europe. Through initiatives such as our Health Rights Defenders programme and the findings of the On My Way Report, we can share both the progress we have made and the challenges that still exist. By learning from our European partners and sharing our own evidence and experience, we strengthen the movement for children’s healthcare rights and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to be heard, respected and involved in decisions about their health and care.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive, Children’s Health Scotland
Looking Ahead
As we continue our work in Scotland, the conversations held in Varese remind us that children’s healthcare rights are a shared priority across Europe. Whether through research, policy influence, participation projects, conferences, or films such as We Want Change, the message remains clear: children’s voices matter.
By working together locally, nationally and internationally, we are helping to build a future where every child can access their rights, achieve the best possible health, and experience healthcare that truly puts them at the centre.
Want to know more about our Health Rights Defenders and our work on health rights?
You can email Rhianne on CYPHRS@childrenshealthscotland.org
