Change can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. For many children living with health conditions or experiencing inequality, these moments can feel even more difficult — whether that’s moving to high school, managing friendships, or coping with everyday worries.
#childhealthmatters
“We Want Change”: Health Rights Defenders Share Their Story Through Film
What does it really feel like to grow up in Scotland today with a health condition — waiting, navigating systems, and too often feeling unheard? On Saturday 30 May, our Health Rights Defenders began to answer that question in their own words, as we came together to watch the first cut of a powerful new […]
Join Our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programme in Edinburgh
Referrals now open for our next SMS Programme (Ages 9–17) which is being delivered in Edinburgh. Our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programme is a supportive group experience for children and young people living with health conditions. Delivered over a series of sessions, it helps young people build confidence, develop practical skills to manage their health and […]
A Wild Adventure from Home: Safari Comes to the SMS HUB
Roaring with excitement and packed with imagination, our latest SMS HUB session took young people on a virtual safari adventure — all from the comfort of home. From spotting “wild” treasures to creating brand-new species, it was a journey full of curiosity, creativity and connection.
SMS HUB: Cracking the Case at Mrs Peacock’s Mansion
Our latest SMS HUB session took a mysterious turn as young people joined us online to step inside Mrs Peacock’s mansion for an evening of clues, characters, and clever thinking. The session, “Mrs Peacock’s Feathers”, brought a classic Cluedo style mystery to life, giving young people the chance to work together, ask questions, and solve […]
SMS: Growing our Confidence Together
Our Self-Management Skills (SMS) programmes help children feel more comfortable together while beginning to explore Self-Management Skills. During our programme this week it has been wonderful to see confidence starting to grow as the children and young people settle into the group.
Celebrating 50 Years of Children’s Health Scotland – A Golden Anniversary Announcing Our Amazing Partners for Scottish Children’s Health Week 2026!
Scottish Children’s Health Week returns on 7–13 September 2026, and this year’s celebration is extra special — we’re turning 50! For five decades, We have defended the health, rights and wellbeing of children and young people, putting their voices at the heart of everything we do. From our earliest days in 1976 right through to […]
#BeKind – Niamh: Inspiring Change Through Kindness
Every child and young person deserves to feel supported and heard, especially in healthcare. Niamh McGregor, a young volunteer, proud Health Rights Defender, and Winner of Children’s Health Scotland’s: Healthcare Rights Award, is using her kindness and lived experiences to help children and young people feel more confident, informed, and included in their healthcare journey. […]
21 Health Rights Sessions to schools across Scotland for their Health Weeks!
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the absolute joy of delivering 21 Health-Related Play Box sessions to schools across Scotland in celebration of their Health Weeks. From Edinburgh to the Highlands, we’ve brought the magic of health-related play and story play to classrooms, engaging children in important conversations about their rights to the best […]
Clowndoctors and Elderflowers win Health-Related Play Award
They say laughter is the best medicine and Hearts and Minds’ Clowndoctors and Elderflowers are dispensing it generously. These professional creative artists are helping bring joy and laughter to children in hospital, hospice care and Special Educational Need Schools – and to adults living with dementia in residential care across Scotland. They are worthy winners […]
