For children and young people living with a health condition, life can sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating. That’s why our Self-Management Service (SMS) Programmes are so important. Today, we are celebrating SMS programmes and the positive difference they continue to make in the lives of children and families. Since 2009, they have been helping children […]
UNCRC
Children’s Choice Award 2025: Dr Mark Davidson – A Doctor Who Makes Magic Happen
At Children’s Health Scotland, we believe that relationships shape the way children and young people experience care. That’s why the Children’s Choice Award is so special – it’s a heartfelt “thank you” from a child or young person to someone who made a real difference during treatment. This year’s winner is Dr Mark Davidson, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive […]
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. […]
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 […]
The health and wellbeing of children is at the heart of new Strategic Plan 2024-30
The health and wellbeing of children and young people and their right to the best possible health lies at the heart of the new Strategic Plan, launched by Children’s Health Scotland at their AGM held in October 2024. Covering the period 2024-2030, the plan sets out how the charity will move forward from their present […]
Celebrating a day that will shine in Scotland’s history for children’s rights
To celebrate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) becoming Scots Law on 16 July 2024, today we have launched a brand new My Health, My Rights Charter in the Atrium of the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. This Charter has been created by children and young people living with health […]
SSSC publish two statutory reports on care experience and rights
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) has published a report setting out its work “to put Scotland’s care experienced children, young people and adults at the heart of what we do”. The report has been published alongside the SSSC’s Children’s Rights Report 2023, which sets out how the SSSC promotes the United Nations Convention on […]
Juliet Harris, Director of Together, wins Healthcare Rights Award
The Healthcare Rights Award recognises a person or team who has taken significant steps to advance the health rights of children and young people in relation to the UNCRC, in school, at hospital or in the community. Our winner is Juliet Harris.
Take the Pledge for Children’s Right to Play! #SummerOfPlay #Playday2022
Hooray, it’s Playday 2022 (3 August). Coordinated in Scotland by our friends at Play Scotland, this year the theme is All to play for – building play opportunities for all children.
