Over the past year, through the delivery of trauma-informed, rights-based services, Children’s Health Scotland (CHS) has supported 7,866 children and young people, 7,185 parents and carers, and 5,743 professionals across Scotland—empowering children to thrive and helping families feel informed, included, and supported.
health rights defenders
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.
Launching the My Health, My Rights Charter Report and Poster
A Tool Created by Children, for Children — and for the Professionals Who Support Them Children’s Health Scotland is proud to officially launch the My Health, My Rights Charter Report and accompanying A2 poster — a landmark resource created by children and young people living with health conditions in Scotland. This Charter is not just a document. […]
🎬 Waiting for Our Rights: A Stop Motion by Health Rights Defenders
This #BeHappy Thursday, we’re proud to launch something extraordinary—a stop motion film created by our brilliant Health Rights Defenders, sharing what it’s really like to be a child in Scotland on a waiting list. 🎞️ “Waiting for Our Rights” is more than just a film. It’s a bold, creative expression of the stress, worry, and uncertainty that children […]
New guidance strengthens children’s right to be heard in decisions that impact their health and wellbeing
Every child has the right to the best possible health—and that includes being heard. The Scottish Government’s updated guidance on children and young people’s participation in decision-making marks a significant step forward in ensuring that young voices are not only acknowledged but actively shape the services and policies that affect them. This guidance will influence […]
Health Rights Defenders: Syringe Art, Summer Fun, and the Right to Play
This summer, our incredible Health Rights Defenders—an inspiring group of young advocates who meet regularly to explore and discuss the most pressing health rights issues affecting children—gathered for a vibrant and meaningful session. Held during the school holidays, this meeting was more than just a creative break; it was a powerful opportunity for the group […]
Support for young people living with a health condition: Refer to our SMS Programme starting August 2025
Children’s Health Scotland is delighted to announce the return of our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes this August 2025. These in-person programmes are ideal for children and young people aged 9–17 living with a health condition or concern—no formal diagnosis is required.
Young voices, big impact: What our Health Rights Defenders want you to know about waiting lists
At Children’s Health Scotland, we believe that children and young people should be heard—especially when it comes to their health and wellbeing. That’s why our incredible Health Rights Defenders have been speaking up about something that affects far too many: long waiting times to access healthcare.
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 […]
Local school raises £8,342.86 for Scotland’s leading children’s health rights charity!
Bishopbriggs Academy has gone the extra mile—literally—to support Children’s Health Scotland, raising an incredible £8,342.86 through their participation in the Kiltwalk. With determination, community spirit, and plenty of tartan, pupils, staff, and families came together to make every step count, ensuring children and young people living with long-term health conditions receive the support and advocacy […]
