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Children in Scotland welcomes submissions for 2025 conference

03 October 2024

Children in Scotland has called for workshop submissions for its 2025 Annual Conference.  

Taking place from 28-29 May in Glasgow, the renowned children’s sector conference will take on theme of ‘Making space for voices’, covering a range of topics like UNCRC Incorporation, children and young people’s mental health, equality, diversity and inclusion and education and learning, as well as a special focus on The Promise, which is now halfway into its 10-year plan.  

The conference team are now welcoming workshop submissions until 15 November 2024. Workshops are free to host and a fantastic opportunity to engage a broad range of professionals working with children across Scotland.  

In 2024, their annual conference included 25 workshops on a diverse range of topics, including everything from supporting distressed behaviour in school, a day in the life of a young carer and digital health and wellbeing, to understanding animal abuse by children and young people and how to intervene.  

Previously the team have leaned toward workshops that feature children and young people’s voices and have a strong interactive or dynamic element, but they welcome workshops of all types to apply. They are seeking a wide range of possible event hosts, from a variety of backgrounds and are keen to see people with lived experience taking part.  

Conference workshops will this year feature alongside an exciting and developing programme, which already includes keynotes from Juliet Harris, Director of Together, speaking out UNCRC incorporation, and Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer of The Promise Scotland, on progress The Promise has made and what still needs to be done by 2030.   

Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor of The Promise and Chair of the Board of Directors, and Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, will both taking up chairing roles during the two-day event.  

Further to workshop submissions, early bird bookings are now open, with all information and tickets available by visiting www.childreninscotland.org.uk/AC25 

Visit our conference hub

Find out more about the event and how to get involved.

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Submit a workshop

Fill in the form before 15 November to be part of our submission process for conference workshops.

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Access All Arts Fund opens for a third year

A project improving children and young people access the arts has today opened for applications.

The Access All Arts Fund, managed by Children in Scotland alongside a panel of young people, is open to those aged 11-25 with the aim of supporting access to creative arts opportunities and promoting wellbeing. The fund is now open for applications until 5pm on 25 October.

Funded by Creative Scotland, the programme supports young people with disabilities, additional support needs, or other financial, social or mental health barriers to the arts to apply for funding for a range of arts activities, from ceramics and painting to music and dance. The Fund supports children and young people to be heard and to share their creative passions by encouraging direct applications from children and young people.

In 2023, a total of £86,040.89 was distributed to support the creative activities of 161 children and young people across 28 local authorities. In a survey of participants, 92% said the fund had had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. 82% said that receiving funding had helped them to overcome barriers to the arts.

David Mackay, Head of Policy, Projects and Participation at Children in Scotland, said:

“Now in its third year, the Access All Arts Fund is a fantastic opportunity for anyone in Scotland between the ages of 11 and 25 to develop existing skills in the arts or even try something new. What’s so special about this project is that awards are determined by a panel of children and young people who truly understand the positive impact the arts and creativity can have on people’s wellbeing, self-esteem and learning.

We are thrilled that Creative Scotland has once again this year recognised the important impact that the Access All Arts Fund is having in empowering young people in their continuing support for the project. We are really looking forward to again seeing the many creative ways that children and young people can express themselves.”

To find out more about the Access All Arts Fund and how to apply, visit our project page.

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot

Access All Arts

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Young people’s advisory group, Changing our World, celebrated at Scottish Children’s Health Awards

Children in Scotland’s young people’s advisory group, Changing our World (CoW), was recognised for the “extraordinary steps” it takes to advance the healthcare rights of children and young people at the recent Scottish Children’s Health Awards.

The group, which currently has members aged eight to 25, took home the Healthcare Rights Award during a glittering awards ceremony earlier this month, which was hosted by journalist and TV presenter, Catriona Shearer.

Taking place as part of Scottish Children's Health Week, the annual “Teddy Awards” celebrate and honour courageous children, as well as individuals and professionals who are making a difference across a range of health-related fields.

Children’s Health Scotland, the charity behind the Awards, said the judging panel recognised the importance of CoW being children-led, and praised the group for giving young people the opportunity to share their experiences and views. The panel was also impressed by the group’s interaction with Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Health and Women's Health during recent campaigns.

Four adults and one young person stand in a row, all smiling at the camera. In the middle, the young person holds a an award with a teddy bear on the top.
Changing our World member Roderick accepted the Healthcare Rights Award on behalf of the group

Roderick, who represented CoW at the Awards, said: “It’s essential for children and young people to have a say in organisations that aim to help people our age. We meet every month, either online or in person, to discuss important topics for children and young people, including health issues like vaping.

“Vaping amongst young people has been a massive problem in my community and it’s great to see the issue brought to everyone’s attention. I was one of the people who really wanted Changing our World to talk about the issue, so winning the award is a big encouragement for me personally.”

Parisa Shirazi, Senior Policy, Projects and Participation Officer at Children in Scotland, nominated CoW for the Healthcare Rights Award in recognition of its hard work to bring about change.

She said: “I nominated them because of their dedication to improving the rights of children and young people all over Scotland.

“I see my job as providing that support and structure for them to share their views in ways that work for them. I particularly enjoy seeing members grow in confidence in areas they initially would have felt more nervous about, such as public speaking and working with MSPs.”

To learn more about the Children’s Health Awards, click here to visit Children’s Health Scotland’s website: childrenshealthscotland.org

Our thanks to Yopa for their support for the Changing Our World advisory group.

 

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Vaping Evidence Paper

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Challenges and opportunities: Insight Issue 6 celebrates the hard work and determination of Scotland’s third sector

The new issue of Children in Scotland’s biannual member magazine, Insight, is now available both in print and online.

Featuring a range of interviews, articles and opinion pieces covering everything from the momentous milestone of UNCRC incorporation to projects which are helping young people find their voice, Insight Issue 6 celebrates the hard work, determination and resilience shown by the third sector during one of the most challenging economic climates of recent times.

Alongside a four-page Q&A with Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean (click here for more), who discusses priorities for her time in post, readers will find an interview with The Yard’s (click here for more) CEO Celine Sinclair, information on inspiring participation projects, and a thoughtful piece on redefining “challenging” behaviour from Billy Anderson, Head of Services at Children in Scotland.

Further reading includes:

  • Hearts & Minds' Fiona Ferrier on why the Clowndoctors programme (click here for more) is proving laughter is the best medicine
  • Details of a new journal that is empowering care experienced young people to write their own story
  • An Edinburgh community group’s recipe for building mums’ confidence, independence and friendship
  • Clare Forrest from LGBT Youth Scotland (click here for more) exploring the charity’s social history project, (Un)seen, (Un)heard
  • And an extended welcome to members who have joined Children in Scotland in the past six months.

Continuing a long-term collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art, MA students brought Insight Issue 6 to life with creativity and passion once again, providing beautiful illustrations for the cover and two articles.

Alice Hinds, Insight editor, said: “When I think of the people working across the children’s sector, from social workers to teachers, policy experts to charity leaders, three qualities come to mind – hardworking, determined and resilient.

“Despite external pressures, money worries and political frustrations, professionals working with and for children never stop trying to make our country a better place to grow up, and our new issue of Insight celebrates that unwavering persistence.

“I hope our members feel inspired after reading this new edition – I know I did.”

Providing a space to share knowledge and best practice, print and digital editions of Insight are published twice a year, with all Children in Scotland members receiving a free copy.

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Non-members can subscribe to Insight for just £10 per year, gaining access to two issues – click here to find out more about subscribing.

Insight Issue 6

Find out what's inside the latest issue. Illustration by Qi Zheng.

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Promoting continuity rather than reform: Children in Scotland’s views on the Education (Scotland) Bill

Children in Scotland has responded to the call for views opened by the Education, Children and Young People’s Committee on the Education (Scotland) Bill, which will support education and skills reform being taken forward by the Scottish Government.  

As an active partner in the education reform process over a number of years, Children in Scotland is pleased to see legislation brought forward on the reform but, within its response to the call for views, expressed disappointment in the scale and scope of proposals. 

The Bill, which proposes the establishment of two new independent education bodies, Qualifications Scotland and His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, does not fully respond to many of the recommendations made through the various reviews on Scottish education which raises concerns on how effective the Bill will be in delivering the meaningful change that has been called for.  

Children in Scotland’s Head of Policy, Projects and Participation, David Mackay said:  

“We are concerned that the current proposals will promote continuity, rather than reform. They do not appear to align with previous Scottish Government commitments made in response to the various reviews of Scottish education.  

“It is unclear why there has been a change in approach and why key commitments originally proposed have now been disregarded. One example of this is the change in position regarding the role of Education Scotland. This inconsistency makes it difficult to have full confidence in the delivery of the proposals. 

“We would strongly encourage Scottish Government to consider how it can be more ambitious in its proposals for reform of the governance of Scottish education.” 

Given Scotland’s new obligations under the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act, which came into effect in July, Children in Scotland has also called for children’s rights to be solidified within the legislation.  

David said: 

“The proposed legislation does not currently make any reference to the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act or the convention more broadly. It also does not look to embed the convention and a rights-based approach within either the new qualifications body or the new independent inspectorate from a legislative perspective.  

“We do not believe this is aligned with Scotland’s new obligations, or the wider commitment to rights-based approaches in Scottish policy-making.” 

While the Bill conveys a commitment to creating some mechanisms for children and young people to engage with and participate in the new qualifications body and inspectorate, there is a lack of detail for how this will work in practice. As Children in Scotland has highlighted throughout various education reviews, clear consideration needs to be given to how engagement opportunities will be facilitated and supported to avoid adult-led solutions that will not work for the children and young people themselves.  

David said 

“We firmly believe that the meaningful engagement of children and young people in the governance of our education bodies would improve the delivery of Scottish education.” 

Children in Scotland’s response to the call for views has drawn on comprehensive evidence from its work with children and young people including through the Inclusion Ambassadors network, its project work with care experienced young people and Pupil Support Staff through the Keeping the Promise Fund and Changing our World, Children in Scotland’s children and young people’s advisory group, who have been sharing their views and experiences on education and learning over a number of months. Further evidence has also been gathered through Children in Scotland’s services which support children and young people to access their rights to education, including Enquire, Resolve and My Rights, My Say.   

Click here to read Children in Scotland’s full response to the call for views 

Education (Scotland) Bill - detailed call for views

Read Children in Scotland's response to the detailed call for views opened by the Education, Children and Young People's Committee.

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Children in Scotland call for ‘urgent and radical rethink’ of third sector funding

22 August 2024

Children in Scotland’s response to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee Pre-budget 2025-26 scrutiny - Third sector funding principles has highlighted the significant challenges faced by children’s sector organisations in Scotland, and we are calling for an urgent rethink of funding models.

Representing 450 charities, statutory bodies, organisations, and individual professionals across Scotland, Children in Scotland has highlighted our key concerns, with short-term funding arrangements and no inflationary increases having the most impact on long-term planning and staff wellbeing and retention.

David Mackay, Head of Projects, Policy and Participation, said:

“The third sector in Scotland currently faces immense financial and operational pressures due to years of static funding, rising costs, recent high levels of inflation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile an increase in demand for services has placed an increased strain on third sector staff and resources.

“Children in Scotland believes there needs to be an urgent and radical rethink about the way the third sector is funded and the Scottish Government’s relationship with them. Without this, many high-quality third sector organisations will simply not survive the coming years, and ultimately there will be a significant impact on the children, young people, families and communities that benefit from these organisations.”

A shift to longer-term funding, of three years or more, would help the third sector to plan for the future, spend more efficiently, and create better organisational stability, all of which would positively impact staff wellbeing.

Enquire, Scotland's national advice service for additional support for learning, is just one of Children in Scotland’s services affected by the current short-term funding model. Although this has been funded by Scottish Government over a period of more than 20 years, for most of that time, it has been done on a yearly cycle.

David said:

“We currently spend a disproportionate amount of time and staff resources on annual and bi-annual proposals, rather than the direct delivery of projects and services. Longer-term support would allow us to develop longer-term workplans with certainty, helping us to more efficiently co-ordinate our work.

“Short-term funding is also having a significant impact on recruitment and retention of staff, which in turn has an impact on relationships with service users as trusted relationships are broken. The third sector’s competitiveness with the private sector and public bodies is key to ensuring the success of our relationship-based practice."

The issues around short-term funding arrangements are frequently compounded by poor communication and delays around the funding, which can have significant implications for project delivery. Children in Scotland and their members have seen cases of projects being confirmed within days of, or even into, a new financial year.

One Children in Scotland member described the impact of this ongoing uncertainty:

“It impacts on our ability to function effectively, has a negative impact on staff, and we have seen staff move away from the sector, because of lack of confidence in funding decisions. Specifically, we found out about funding for a project for this year, six weeks into the financial year. Fortunately, we had been able to retain staff for the project in other work. Without this, we would have needed to make the staff redundant and lost the ability to deliver this key piece of work for the Scottish Government.”

Like many third sector organisations, Children in Scotland’s grant for core funds from Scottish Government has not kept pace with the rate of inflation. By committing to fair work, the Real Living Wage, and progressive employment practices, we have been left with a shortfall.

One Children in Scotland member reported:

“As the Real Living Wage increases automatically in line with inflation, charities who have signed up to the Real Living Wage have to budget for an automatic uplift to wage bills every year, which are often a very high percentage of their overall budget. If grant funding doesn't also increase in line with inflation, then the charity could end up running a service at a loss.”

Third sector funding needs a complete rethink, in order to continue to operate a fair working environment, and continue to support the service users. David reiterated the organisation’s appeal for change, saying:

“Children in Scotland and our members want to see a system that values the important contribution of the third sector and delivers the much need stability and sustainability third sector organisations need in order to continue to deliver their vital work supporting children, young people and families. We understand the current financial pressures on the Scottish Government and we are keen to work with them to deliver change. The current funding models are broken - undermining the stability of organisations, the wellbeing of staff, and ultimately the quality and quantity of work on the ground.”

Children in Scotland’s full response to the Third Sector Funding Inquiry consultation can be downloaded here.

Our thanks to the Children in Scotland members who contributed their valuable views and experiences into our consultation response.

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Have your say - Consultation on funding approach for the third sector

Children in Scotland invites members to contribute to its response to the consultation opened by the Social Justice and Social Security Committee at Scottish Parliament which examines Scottish Government's funding approaches for the third sector.

The Social Justice and Social Security Committee at the Scottish Parliament has opened a consultation to examine how the Scottish Government’s approach to fair and efficient funding can contribute to the continued effectiveness of the third sector. This is part of the Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny.

From speaking with our members, we know how recent challenges have made sustainable funding a priority area as so many third sector organisations struggle to build and maintain resilience.

Children in Scotland will be submitting a response to the consultation sharing our experience and learning from members and partners working across the children's sector.

We understand that some of our members may struggle to write a full response to the consultation due to pressure on staff capacity and the short turnaround. For this reason, we have created a short survey providing an opportunity for members to further contribute to Children in Scotland's response and help us to build our evidence base.

Questions in the survey ask members to consider the impact of different approaches to funding including a shift to longer-term, more flexible funding patterns, inflation-related uplifts, and the challenges of delivering the Real Living Wage and Fair Work for employees.

Respondents do not need to answer every question listed in the survey. You also have the option to ask us to anonymise any responses you submit.

The survey will close at 5pm on Monday 5 August 2024.

Click here to begin the survey

If you wish to respond to the Committee’s consultation directly, click here to visit Scottish Parliament’s website -> 

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New report shares positive stories of inclusion in Scottish schools

A new report that summarises the Success Looks Different Awards 2023 has revealed positive stories of inclusion from across schools in Scotland. The annual awards were set up in 2022 by the Inclusion Ambassadors, a group of secondary school-aged pupils from across Scotland who have a range of additional support needs.

The group were concerned that, often, when schools measure achievements in learning they talk mostly about exams. Although exam results are important to many pupils, we know that not everyone will sit formal exams. The Inclusion Ambassadors strongly believe that success looks different for everyone. They set up the annual Success Looks Different Awards to showcase how pioneering schools are helping pupils with additional support needs feel included, supported and celebrated.

The Inclusion Ambassadors led the Success Looks Different Awards 2023 from start to finish. The young people set the award categories, the criteria and judged the entries. Some of the group were also involved in presenting the awards at winning schools.

2023 Award Winners

In 2023, the Success Looks Different Awards had four categories: Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School and Special School.

The winners and runners-up were:

Early Years
Winner: Woodlands Nursery Centre, South Lanarkshire
Runner-up: Wallacetown Early Years Centre, South Ayrshire

Primary School
Winner: Williamston Primary School, West Lothian
Runner-up: Houston Primary School, Renfrewshire

Secondary School
Winner: Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, West Dunbartonshire
Runner-up: Park Mains High School, Renfrewshire

Special School
Winner: Fairview School, Perth & Kinross
Runner-up: East Park School, Glasgow City

"If you don't do anything about it, inclusion is just a word."(quote from an Inclusion Ambassador)

The winning entries had common themes, such as prioritising relationships between staff and pupils, including pupils in shaping celebrations of success and taking a holistic approach – both with individual learners and the wider school. Some also created opportunities for student leaders and prioritised connecting with the wider community. Each of the entries found ways of celebrating success in creative and innovative ways.

The Success Looks Different Awards 2023 report shares lots of examples of good practice from the award winners.

Lucy Johnson, Enquire’s Senior Development Officer, who managed the award in 2023, said:

“Sharing examples of how different schools support inclusion is an important part of the Success Looks Different Awards. The breadth of applications we have received since the award began in 2022 has given us an insight into the dedication so many educational establishments have to embedding inclusion and recognising that success looks different for every individual. This report is an opportunity for us to recognise and promote this valuable work and celebrate the good practice happening across Scotland.

New Primary School Pilot Report

Alongside the launch of the Success Looks Different Awards 2024, we are delighted to announce the publication of a report on a recent pilot project to trial delivering the Inclusion Ambassadors approach in a Primary School setting.

The report highlights the importance of the adults who work with children in providing support and building meaningful relationships. It also highlights the importance of the learning environment on the experiences of children in primary school.

Lucy Johnson, Enquire’s Senior Development Officer, who was part of the pilot, said:

“In the last few years, the Inclusion Ambassadors group has grown from strength to strength. However, both the Inclusion Ambassadors and the team that supports them felt that there is a gap in the work we’re doing regarding the views of younger children with additional support needs.

By extending the Inclusion Ambassador offer to younger pupils - initially through this pilot - we hope to create further opportunities for all children to engage in decisions made about their support for learning.”

You can access the full primary school pilot report by clicking here.

You can also find more information at childreninscotland.org.uk/inclusion-ambassadors

Success Looks Different 2023

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Our advisory group of secondary school-aged pupils who have a range of additional support needs.

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International Schools Meals Day update

After 12 years, Children in Scotland is sad to announce that the International School Meals Day (ISMD) project is coming to an end in its current form.  

A combination of the loss of funding, a reduction in Comms staffing and the need for all Children in Scotland’s work to align with the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan means that it is no longer possible to continue delivering the project.  

Simon Massey, Head of Engagement & Learning at Children in Scotland, said: 

“Despite the fact I am very sad that we need to end the ISMD project, I am really proud to look back at everything that has been achieved over the past 12 years. We’ve had engagement from 60+ countries across many years, countless organisations working directly with us and thousands of children and young people get involved. 

I want to thank Scottish Government for their ongoing support over the 12 years with both funding as well as expertise in delivery, while both Yibo Woods at the USDA and Lindsay Graham have provided constant enthusiasm, advice and engagement throughout. 

There are too many other people who have got involved over the years to individually thank but please know that every one of them made a meaningful contribution.” 

Some of the main partners have identified a number of highlights over the years including: 

  • The ‘thunderclap years’ – reaching millions via social media campaigns (before data protection legislation put a stop to it). 

The ISMD website will be available until the end of June by which point key information will be transferred over to a new ISMD project page on the Children in Scotland website. 

The ISMD Project

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10 highlights from our Annual Conference 2024

Filled with countless moments of joy, inspiration, learning and connection, Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference 2024 saw more than 400 delegates, speakers and exhibitors come together at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.

From insightful workshops and uplifting keynotes to networking sessions and motivational speeches, the successful two-day event featured a packed programme – and here, we’ve rounded up just a few of the highlights to relive all the magic.

1. Our CEO shared the importance of optimism and hope

It’s no secret that many charities and third sector organisations are currently facing a range of challenges, including staff shortages and funding shortfalls. Echoing the themes discussed in her recent blog (click here for more), our CEO Judith Turbyne used her keynote address to acknowledge the serious impact these challenges will have on vital services for children and young people – but placed emphasis on never losing hope.

Speaking to a packed room of delegates on day one, Judith said: “The cost of living crisis – on the back of the pandemic – has meant that we have been functioning in crisis mode for quite a long period of time, and we know what a serious impact this is having on the children and young and their families and carers, as well as the organisations working with and for them.

“However, I very much do believe there is real power in facing up to a crisis and allowing that to be one of the levers for change. There is always hope, and if we really work together, we can make change possible.”

2. We made hundreds of new friends!

Across both days of the conference, more than 450 delegates, speakers and exhibitors arrived at Murrayfield, enjoying a range of workshops, hands-on sessions and networking opportunities. What’s more, our official conference hashtag #CiSAC24 was used more than 100 times on X (formerly Twitter) as attendees shared who they met, what they learned, and how they were inspired to improve their work.

3. We welcomed Natalie Don MSP

Speaking passionately about her mission to make Scotland the best place for children and young people to grow up, Natalie Don MSP was welcomed to the stage on day two of the conference.

The Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise discussed a range of issues relevant to the children’s sector, providing valuable insights for delegates, before staying to visit our busy exhibition hall – and stopping to speak with Changing our World (click here for more), our vibrant children and young people’s advisory group, who had their own stand in our exhibition hall.

Natalie Don MSP with CoW

4. Delegates learned why courageous leadership is vital for reducing violence

During a personal and inspiring speech, Jimmy Paul, Head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, called for children to be better represented in discussions about rising violence in schools, and shared why a trauma-informed approach should be taken to address such challenges.

His thoughtful speech, which focused on the need for collaboration over competition, was one of the programme highlights. Reflecting on the talk, one attendee said: “Jimmy's very personal story resonated and made me reflect on how our roles must always centre on supporting young people and families, and going above and beyond to protect them and adapt to them as individuals”.

5. Our AI panel focused on children’s rights

Hosted by Ken Corish, Online Safety Director for the South West Grid for Learning, with Gregory Metcalfe from Children’s Parliament and Dr Mhairi Aitken of The Alan Turing Institute, our panel on children’s Rights and AI raised lots of important issues, and helped to raise awareness of the safety implications of chat bots and AI-generated content.

As Gregory said during the panel: “AI is such a rapidly evolving field, it can feel impossible to keep up – but the important thing is to focus on children's rights".

6. We made some Braw animations

During an interactive and engaging workshop, Braw Talent (click here for more) shared how they use storytelling to enable young people to share their voices – and attendees even got to create their own stop motion films based around UNCRC incorporation!

Braw Talent workshops AC24

7. There was a magical musical moment

During the Live Music and Mental Health workshops, which shared key learnings from a recent project engaging with children and young people and professionals, attendees were treated to a live performance from the incredible Scottish Ensemble (click here for more) – who needs Taylor swift tickets when you’ve been to #CiSAC24!

8. Children and young people were put at the heart of our event

When it came to shaping the programme for our Annual Conference, we knew children and young people’s views and opinions would be vital for ensuring its success. As well as helping with the planning process, we were lucky enough to have members of Changing our World in attendance across both days, while members Mhairi and Olive came on board as co-chairs.

It was so inspirational to see CoW members not only chatting with delegates but hosting workshops and leading discussions – and we can’t thank them enough for all their hard work.

9. We sparked new connections

With more than 40 exhibitors hosting stalls at the conference, our delegates got the chance to learn about everything from mental health and wellbeing to social care innovation, safeguarding initiatives, suicide prevention, road safety, support available for the third sector and so much more. Plus with 25 informative workshops, there was space for lots of learning, too.

10. And there were lots of cuddles…

Zola Pets as Therapy

The wonderful charity Pets As Therapy (click here for more) brought along a special surprise for delegates – beautiful pooch Zola, who was more than happy to receive cuddles between workshops.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual Conference 2024, including our sponsors Kibble, Road Safety Scotland, Harmeny, and Yopa, who made it all possible.

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