Membership Spotlight highlights the work of our member organisations and outline how other individuals and NGOs can support them. Below we shine the light on Children’s Health Scotland who are providing more information about their FREE Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes.

‘It’s been one of the best things I’ve done. It’s helped me a lot and I would say to anyone that they should try it because you’ll make a lot of friends and learn a lot.’ 10 years old

Children’s Health Scotland offer FREE Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes for children and young people aged 9-18 across Scotland living with a health condition or concern. Our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes are six weeks long offering support and learning about Self-Management Skills. The SMS Programmes are nationwide and we offer two different types SMS:FACE TO FACE (in person) and SMS:CONNECT (Online).

We learn all about confidence, improving our self-esteem, health rights, health & wellbeing as well as friendships. Those who take part in a SMS Programme then are able to join our SMS:HUB which is a free group that meets once a month.

We aren’t condition specific and young people don’t need a formal diagnosis. When we speak about health during the course we talk about physical health, social health and mental health and wellbeing.

Our programme is a six week Self Management programme, which introduces children and young people to Self Management Skills (SMS) and how these can be used to improve their overall health.

We welcome enquiries from everyone and as part of our referral process we would discuss the needs of the child or young person. During this process we would contact the family and set up a 1-1 call. It’s all very much based of how we and the family feel the SMS Programme would benefit the Young Person or Child who has been referred.  

If we felt they needed support form a health care professional or sign posting to a service which could provide more appropriate support we would actively support the family with that.

We will also work with a child or young person prior to a programme if needed to help them to prepare for the six week block.

Our next SMS:FACE TO FACE (in person) Programme is starting on Saturday 2 September running for the next six Saturdays at the Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside, we will be working with Partners such as the Teapot Trust, Village Storytelling, Relax Kids and LUNA. 

Ends

If you know a young person aged 9-18 who you would like to refer you can do so here as we still have spaces: https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/self-management-service-interest-referral-forms/  

You can also check out our website here: https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org

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