“Thanks so much for inviting me! Young people like us don’t get a chance to be in Parliament often and have people listen to our words, so it’s been great seeing it. I’ve never been in the Parliament before.” Lyall, 15

This Scottish Children’s Health Week we had the privilege of hosting our My Health, My Rights Parliamentary Reception, sponsored by Ruth McGuire, MSP. This gathering celebrated the tireless efforts of our Health Rights Defenders whilst showcasing Scottish Children’s Health Week and proudly exhibiting the notable achievements of our charity.

Keynote speaker, Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, highlighted the importance of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 and Children’s Rights. Our own Michelle Wilson, Head of Children’s Services, put forth a heartfelt acknowledgment of our My Health My Rights campaign’s progress and stressed the importance of persistent advocacy for child health rights. Our Health Rights Service, always on the frontlines, continues to back our Health Rights Defenders, spreading awareness through the My Health, My Rights Charter for children and young people. The reception created an engaging space for children and professionals to work together, emphasising the right of every child to the best possible health.

At the Reception we had games too! Our children and young people always tell us how much they love to play and we know at Children’s Health Scotland that play is a fundamental right. Some of our games included: our My Health, My Rights Pairs game where guests could match rights, and we also had our stress bucket game where you could toss your stresses away (this is a firm favourite in our SMS Programmes). Guests could also write why rights are important on our My Health, My Rights shield tree highlighting what right was most important to them.

Showcased at this event were drawings from Health Rights Defenders from Burgh Primary School, Cranhill Primary School, Langbank Primary School and the Royal Hospital For Children (Glasgow) who all helped to created our My Health, My Rights Charter.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended our My Health, My Rights Parliamentary Reception and who made Scottish Children’s Health Week extra special,” said Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland. “I would also like to thank Ruth for sponsoring our reception and Nicola for the wonderful speech she delivered on the children’s rights. Of course, this event wouldn’t have been possible without our Health Rights Defenders so a special thank you to all the wonderful and amazing children and young people who work with us to defend the right of every child to the best possible health.”

But what is a Health Rights Defender?

Our Health Rights Defenders were started by children and young people aged 9-17 living with a health condition or concern who had taken part in one of our SMS Programmes. Through working with the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Office Scotland and learning more about human rights defenders, they saw a need for Health Rights Defenders who could defend and champion the health rights of children and young people. As our group of Health Rights Defenders developed, they also wanted people to be able to join in and spread word of their campaign and their Charter. So we now have our Health Rights Defender badge in the shape of a shield for those who work with us to defend the right of every child to the best possible health.

Ends

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