Each year, the Young Achiever Award honours a child or young person who’s shown extraordinary courage, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. It recognises someone who, despite the challenges life has thrown their way, has never given up – and instead, has chosen to rise, inspire, and lead with heart. This year, we are proud […]
health rights
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. […]
Healthcare Rights Award 2025: Niamh McGregor – A Young Voice Making a Big Difference
Every child and young person has the right to the best health possible, to be heard, and to be supported – especially when navigating healthcare. This year’s Healthcare Rights Award celebrates someone who embodies those rights not just for herself, but for others too. Congratulations to Niamh McGregor, a passionate young volunteer and proud Health Rights Defender. A Defender […]
🧸 #BeCalm Wednesday: Bear’s Big SMS Adventure Days – A Celebration of Play, Family, and Rights
As part of Scottish Children’s Health Week, we’re celebrating #BeCalm Wednesday by reflecting on the joy, connection, and empowerment found in our Bear’s Big Self-Management Skills (SMS) Adventure Days. This year, we’ve hosted three incredible picnics—each one a unique celebration of play, family togetherness, and the health rights of children. 🌳 Why Play Matters – Especially Together Play isn’t […]
Improving Life Experiences Award Winner 2025: Bob Fraser’s Legacy of Kindness
The Improving Life Experiences Award celebrates someone who’s made a real difference to the life of a child or young person undergoing treatment – boosting their confidence, resilience, and ability to cope with challenges now and in the future. And Bob has been doing exactly that for over 40 years. Bob Fraser didn’t know he’d […]
#BeBrave Tuesday: The Power of Play in Protecting Children’s Health Rights
As we mark #BeBrave Tuesday during Scottish Children’s Health Week, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on something that might seem simple—but is profoundly powerful: play. Through our work in the Cranhill area with the Cranhill Development Trust, we’ve been celebrating the right of every child to play. These sessions have been joyful, energetic, and deeply meaningful—not just for […]
Health-Related Play Award 2025: Melody Cox Brings Healing Through Play
At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that play is far more than just fun – it’s a vital part of a child’s healing journey. The Health-Related Play Award celebrates someone who has made a profound difference to a young person’s life through the power of play. This year, we are thrilled to honour Melody Cox, a Health Play […]
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 […]
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 […]
Empowering Professionals: Why Health Rights Training Matters Now More Than Ever
Children’s rights in healthcare are no longer just best practice—they’re the law. With Scotland’s landmark incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law as of July 2024, professionals across health, education, social care, and justice are now legally required to uphold these rights in every decision and interaction. […]
