Annual Conference: Supporting child and adult wellbeing
Here at Children in Scotland, we like to think we offer unique event experiences, and this year’s annual conference is no exception. From quiet rooms for delegates, to workshops that that deep dive into a range of wellbeing topics, supporting child and adult mental health is intrinsic to this event.
A supportive space for delegates
Whether you are an adult or young person, attending a conference can be an overwhelming experience. For many of us, it is a rare occasion to spend time in a room with hundreds of others from our sector. While getting together with a large group of people with shared learning goals has enormous development benefits, we’re well aware of the sensory impact.
Children in Scotland has done a lot of work to make this event as accessible as possible for those that may struggle with the format. We really encourage our delegates to do what they need to for their own comfort – wearing what makes them feel good, getting up and taking breaks at any point, and taking advantage of our quiet room, a dedicated area to decompress when needed.
And have we mention our pet therapy dogs? We’re delighted that Pets as Therapy will once again be in attendance, as we know that the healing powers of some dog cuddles really knows no bounds.
More advice for our delegates on self-care at conference is available here.
A strong focus on inclusion and mental health
We’re enormously proud that this event will bring together so many important discussions related to wellbeing and inclusion. Our core theme is ‘20 years of GIRFEC – what comes next’ and within this we have structured our workshops around the SHANARRI indicators.
Just a few of the workshops to highlight include:
- Liminal: finding comfort in the in-between (Mental Health Foundation / Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity)
- It takes all kinds of minds: exploring the neurodivergent experience (Mindroom)
- Home-grown solutions? Navigating transitions into secondary school (University of Dundee / Stromness Academy / Orkney Islands Council
- Gaming, blaming and shaming ( Minus Violence)
- Keynote from young people from the Trans Rights, Voices Unheard and Mental Health Youth Commissions at LGBT Youth Scotland.
This is just a small selection of the many important wellbeing and inclusion focused topics being showcased at Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference. And with 70% of our workshops co-hosted by children and young people themselves, we are getting to the heart of the best ways to support their mental health.
Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference 2026
On 27-28 May, we return to Glasgow for our 2026 Annual Conference, bringing together the best of the children’s sector for a learning and networking experience like no other.
This year we’re focusing on GIRFEC’s milestone 20-year anniversary, and asking what comes next. With co-chairing from our children and young people’s advisory group, and 70% of workshops co-presented with young people, this event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get to the heart of the key issues facing our sector.
