Every month, children and young people from across Scotland log into SMS:HUB ready for a new adventure. For children and young people living with long-term health conditions, opportunities to connect with others, try new experiences, and build friendships are incredibly important. That’s why SMS:HUB is about so much more than an online activity.
It’s a place where young people can develop self-management skills, discover new interests, build confidence, and feel part of a community that understands them.
As we celebrate Scottish Children’s Health Week, we’re taking the opportunity to recognise the incredible partners who have helped make SMS:HUB such a special experience this year.
Michelle Wilson, Head of Children’s Services, said:
Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do at Children’s Health Scotland. By working together with organisations, experts, and community partners, we can create opportunities that inspire children and young people to explore new interests, develop self-management skills, and build meaningful connections with others. These experiences help young people recognise their strengths, grow in confidence, and understand that their health condition does not define what they can achieve. We are incredibly grateful to every partner who has helped make SMS:HUB such a positive and memorable experience for children and young people across Scotland.
Opening Doors to Extraordinary Experiences
At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that self-management skills are developed in many different ways.
Sometimes that’s through learning something new. Sometimes it’s through finding the confidence to ask a question. Sometimes it’s simply through sharing a laugh with other young people who understand what living with a health condition can be like.
Our partners help create those moments that really matter.
By sharing their expertise, passion, and time, they help turn ordinary evenings into memorable experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Reaching for the Stars
One of our most inspiring SMS:HUB sessions welcomed Professor Catherine Heymans, Scotland’s Astronomer Royal.
Young people had the opportunity to ask their own questions about space, black holes, distant galaxies, and what life is really like as a scientist.
The session encouraged curiosity, challenged young people to think big, and demonstrated that careers in science are open to everyone. Most importantly, it gave our young people the confidence to ask questions, share ideas, and explore a subject many had never encountered before.
A Little Bit of Magic
Our partnership with Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter brought the magic of filmmaking directly into the homes of children and young people across Scotland.
Young people were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing the Harry Potter films to life. From magical creatures and props to special effects and filmmaking secrets, the session sparked excitement and wonder from start to finish.
For many young people, it was a unique opportunity to engage with a world they love while connecting with peers who shared their enthusiasm.
Defying Expectations
Thanks to our partnership with Wicked Active Learning, young people were invited behind the curtain to explore the themes, creativity, and storytelling behind one of the world’s most popular musicals.
The session encouraged discussion, imagination, and self-expression while helping young people develop confidence and engage with the arts in a fun and accessible way.
Experiences like these remind us that self-management is not just about managing a condition. It’s also about discovering passions, building confidence, and finding opportunities to grow.
Sweet Success
This year we were also delighted to welcome Iain Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier, who shared his inspiring story and passion for creating award-winning chocolates.
Young people learned about creativity, determination, and the journey from an idea to a successful business. The session encouraged them to think about their own ambitions and demonstrated how passion and perseverance can help turn dreams into reality.
Naturally, it also left many of us craving chocolate!
Bringing Wildlife to Our Screens
Our partnership with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and Edinburgh Zoo gave young people the opportunity to explore the incredible world of wildlife without leaving home.
From fascinating animal facts to discussions about conservation, the session encouraged curiosity and generated brilliant conversations between young people from across Scotland.
It was a wonderful example of how shared interests can bring people together and create lasting connections.
More Than Just a Session
Every partner who joins SMS:HUB helps create opportunities for children and young people to:
- Build confidence and resilience.
- Develop self-management skills.
- Discover new interests and talents.
- Connect with other young people who understand their experiences.
- Feel included, valued, and supported.
- Have fun and enjoy new experiences.
For children and young people living with health conditions, these opportunities matter.
They remind young people that they are more than their condition, that their voices matter, and that they deserve the same opportunities to learn, play, explore, and dream as everyone else.
Thank You for Saying “Yes”
As we celebrate Scottish Children’s Health Week, we’d like to thank Professor Catherine Heymans, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Wicked Active Learning, Iain Burnett The Highland Chocolatier, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and all of the organisations that have partnered with SMS:HUB.
Thank you for sharing your time, expertise, and enthusiasm.
Because you said “yes”, children and young people across Scotland have been able to make new friendships, build confidence, discover new passions, and create memories that will stay with them long after each session has ended.
Together, we’re showing what’s possible when organisations come together to support the health, wellbeing, and potential of children and young people.
If you would like to know more about our SMS:HUB you can email Rhianne on sms@childrenshealthscotland.org
THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL PARTNERS
