Referrals now open for our next SMS Programme (Ages 9–17) which is being delivered in Edinburgh. Our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programme is a supportive group experience for children and young people living with health conditions. Delivered over a series of sessions, it helps young people build confidence, develop practical skills to manage their health and […]
young people
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 […]
A Wild Adventure from Home: Safari Comes to the SMS HUB
Roaring with excitement and packed with imagination, our latest SMS HUB session took young people on a virtual safari adventure — all from the comfort of home. From spotting “wild” treasures to creating brand-new species, it was a journey full of curiosity, creativity and connection.
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 […]
Amplifying Young Voices Through Media: Health Rights Defenders Lead the Way
We are excited to be starting a powerful new piece of work with our Health Rights Defenders, thanks to funding from Awards For All from the National Lottery Community Fund. Over the coming weeks, our Health Rights Defenders will be working with Media Education and Children’s Health Scotland to create a piece of media that […]
SMS HUB: Cracking the Case at Mrs Peacock’s Mansion
Our latest SMS HUB session took a mysterious turn as young people joined us online to step inside Mrs Peacock’s mansion for an evening of clues, characters, and clever thinking. The session, “Mrs Peacock’s Feathers”, brought a classic Cluedo style mystery to life, giving young people the chance to work together, ask questions, and solve […]
Referrals Now Open: SMS Programmes Autumn & Winter 2026
We’re pleased to open referrals for our upcoming Self Management Skills (SMS) Programmes, taking place both in person this autumn and online over the winter. Our SMS Programmes support children and young people living with health conditions to build confidence, develop self management skills and connect with others who understand their experiences. We welcome self‑referrals […]
“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 […]
A Prescription for Change: Putting Children’s Health at the Heart of Scotland’s Decisions
As Scotland approaches the 2026 Holyrood elections, there is an urgent need to refocus our national priorities. Children’s Health Scotland stands firmly alongside the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Scotland in calling for a bold and sustained commitment to improving child health. As Michelle Wilson, Head of Children’s Services at Children’s Health […]
