For fifty years, Children’s Health Scotland has been listening to what matters most to children and young people about their health and their rights. Through five decades of stories, surveys, programmes, hospital visits, school sessions, and lived experience, one message has never changed: Children and young people know what they need — and their voices […]
health conditions
Amplifying Young Voices Through Media: Health Rights Defenders Lead the Way
We are excited to be starting a powerful new piece of work with our Health Rights Defenders, thanks to funding from Awards For All from the National Lottery Community Fund. Over the coming weeks, our Health Rights Defenders will be working with Media Education and Children’s Health Scotland to create a piece of media that […]
The SMS HUB in March: A Journey Amongst the Stars
Our March SMS HUB session took young people on an adventure far beyond their screens and into the wonders of the universe. Joining from across Scotland, the group came together online for an evening filled with space‑themed fun, imagination and curiosity, discovering new worlds, sharing ideas, and exploring big questions about what lies beyond our […]
The end of the two‑child limit: A Gamechanger for Families, Health and Fairness
The abolition of the two‑child limit is a historic and long‑overdue moment for children and families across the UK. As the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has highlighted, ending the two‑child limit on child benefit payment is a “gamechanger for millions of children”, bringing to an end one of the most harmful and punitive policies […]
Health Rights Defenders Speak Out: Shaping Change for Young People With Health Conditions in Scotland
Over the past three months, our incredible Health Rights Defenders have been working in partnership with the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYPCS) and the brilliant team at Media Education to create a powerful piece of media about what it is really like to be a child or young person with a health condition […]
Your Health, Your Way: Self‑Management Skills Programmes for young people aged 9-17
We are so excited to share our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes for 2026 – a year packed with connection, creativity, confidence-building and fun. Whether you’re a young person, a family member, or a professional supporting a child or young person, our SMS Programmes are designed for young people and support them to build the skills […]
Building Confidence and Connections: SMS:CONNECT Winter Success
This winter, our SMS:CONNECT Programme has been buzzing with energy and positivity! Over six weeks, 23 incredible young people aged 9–17 have joined us every Monday and Thursday to explore self-management in fun, creative, and empowering ways.
A Spellbinding SMS:HUB with Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
On Thursday 30 October, children and young people from across Scotland—stretching from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders—gathered online for a truly magical SMS:HUB session with Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter.
Mental health data reveals urgent need for action to support our children and young people
Data published by Public Health Scotland has revealed concerning trends in the mental health of children and young people across Scotland, reinforcing the urgent need for improved support, transparency, and investment.
Referrals now open with spaces limited for SMS:CONNECT Programme
SMS:CONNECT, our online Self-Management Skills Programme, is returning this October—and referrals are now being accepted on a first come, first served basis. This life-changing programme supports children and young people aged 9–17 living with a health condition to build confidence, develop practical self-management skills, and take more control of their lives. Delivered in a safe, supportive […]










