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

5 Sep 2024

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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