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 […]
UNCRC
Health And Wellbeing Award 2025: Creating Smiles and Easing Journeys – Team Jak’s Motto
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen – especially when facing the unimaginable challenges of serious illness. That’s the spirit behind the Health and Wellbeing Award. This award celebrates individuals or teams who go above and beyond to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people, whether in schools, hospitals, or […]
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 […]
Celebrating the Success of SMS Programmes
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 […]
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 […]
