“I didn’t want to go back to school. It felt too hard.” These words, shared by a child during a recent Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programme, reflect the reality for many young people whose health challenges make school feel overwhelming.
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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.
Defying Gravity with Wicked the Musical: A Wellbeing Journey to Oz
Our latest SMS:HUB was pure magic! Children and young people with health conditions joined us online for a wellbeing session inspired by Wicked the Musical, led by the amazing Active Learning Team from Wicked. It wasn’t just about fun—it was about building skills that help us manage our health and wellbeing every day. From the […]
Walk With Us in Kiltwalk 2026 – Defend the Right to Health for Every Child in Scotland
Every step you take in the Kiltwalk is a step towards a fairer, healthier future for children and young people across Scotland. In 2025, our amazing Kiltwalkers raised over £8,000 — a powerful show of support that helped us reach children with long-term health conditions, kinship and foster care families, and those facing barriers to […]
Bear’s OUTTA THIS WORLD Adventure at Dynamic Earth
During the October School Holidays, Kinship Care families from across Scotland joined us for a truly intergalactic experience at Dynamic Earth — and what a cosmic adventure it was!
SMS:FACE TO FACE is back – Refer now for February 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that SMS:FACE-TO-FACE is returning on Saturday 21 February 2026 – and referrals are now open! This six-week programme runs every Saturday until 28 March 2026 as follows:
🧸 #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 […]
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 […]
Health Rights Defenders raise an outstanding £13000 for Scotland’s leading children’s Health Rights Charity
We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the amazing fundraising efforts of Bishopbriggs Academy, who have raised a phenomenal £13,000 for Children’s Health Scotland! As their chosen charity of the year, the school community has gone above and beyond to support our work, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Throughout the year, pupils and staff have […]
