At Children’s Health Scotland, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the voices, creativity, and courage of our Health Rights Defenders who contributed to the powerful Storylines project led by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland.
voice
Dear First Minister: Will you listen?
Sometimes the most powerful advocacy doesn’t come from reports, policy papers or presentations. It comes from children taking time to sit down, think carefully, and write from the heart.
Every Child Has a Shadow: The Right to Be Seen
This story introduces us to a child whose “shadow” does not match the expectations placed upon them. Their interests, their expression, and their sense of self sit outside what others believe is acceptable. What follows is not just a story about difference—it is a story about visibility, courage, and the conditions children need to truly […]
“We Want Change”: Health Rights Defenders Share Their Story Through Film
What does it really feel like to grow up in Scotland today with a health condition — waiting, navigating systems, and too often feeling unheard? On Saturday 30 May, our Health Rights Defenders began to answer that question in their own words, as we came together to watch the first cut of a powerful new […]
Protection Without Participation Is Not Protection: Children’s Health Scotland Responds to Social Media Ban Consultation
Children’s Health Scotland has published its response to the national consultation on proposals to introduce a social media ban for under 16s, drawing directly on the voices of children, young people, parents and carers. While the intention to improve online safety is welcomed, the organisation is urging policymakers to rethink a blanket ban approach, warning that […]
What You Don’t See: Health Rights Defenders Reveal the Reality of Growing Up with a Health Condition
This week, our Health Rights Defenders continued their media journey by focusing on something simple yet incredibly powerful. They created posters that show what it is really like to be a child or young person living with a health condition. Funded by Awards for All, this project is rooted in a clear belief. When children […]
Lights, Camera, Listen: Health Rights Defenders Take the Next Step
Our Health Rights Defenders are now officially behind the camera and firmly in the director’s chair. We are excited to begin the next stage of our media project, having appointed Media Education to support this work. This work builds on our shared commitment to listening to children and young people and ensuring their lived experiences […]
“Sometimes You Have to Be a Little Brave”: Volunteering, Voice and Seeing Ourselves on Stage
Elodie is ten. She’s thoughtful, creative, and clear about one thing: children deserve to be listened to when it comes to their health. She also knows how often decisions are made around children rather than with them, which is why she’s a Health Rights Defender. As a Health Rights Defender, Elodie gives her time, ideas and creativity to help adults understand what it’s really like to […]
Clowndoctors and Elderflowers win Health-Related Play Award
They say laughter is the best medicine and Hearts and Minds’ Clowndoctors and Elderflowers are dispensing it generously. These professional creative artists are helping bring joy and laughter to children in hospital, hospice care and Special Educational Need Schools – and to adults living with dementia in residential care across Scotland. They are worthy winners […]
Read the latest news from Children’s Health Scotland
A very festive edition of our latest Children’s Health Scotland Magazine is now available to view online.
