Voluntary Sector Children’s Services Forum: March 2026 Meeting

CVS Falkirk & District invites local third sector groups and organisations to the March 2026 Voluntary Sector Children’s Services Forum (VSCSF), taking place on Wednesday 25 March 2026, 10am – 12pm via Microsoft Teams.

This forum provides a space for third sector organisations to connect, share information, and discuss key issues affecting children, young people, and families across the Falkirk District area. VSCSF brings together organisations delivering services for children and families to strengthen collaboration, highlight local support, and explore policy developments that impact the sector.

Agenda

1. Welcome and Introductions: Eloise Wilson, CVS Falkirk & District
2. Scottish Government’s Approach to Children’s Rights and UNCRC: Dr Shelly Coyne and Aqeel Ahmed, Children’s Rights Unit, Scottish Government
3. Make It Your Own Project: Fin Ross Russell, Impact Arts Ltd
4. The Village: Support for Children and Families: Samantha Marsh, Why Not Trust
5. Any Other Current Business (AOCB)

About the Presenters

• Dr Shelley Coyne and Aqeel Ahmed work within the Children’s Rights Unit at the Scottish Government. Aqeel focuses on embedding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into public services, while Shelley leads on participation and empowering children, young people, babies, and families around children’s rights. Following the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scottish law in 2024, their work aims to foster a proactive culture of everyday accountability for children’s rights across Scotland.During the forum, Shelley and Aqeel will provide an overview of their work, illustrated through case studies, and explore its impact on third sector organisations supporting children and families.

• Fin Ross Russell from Impact Arts Ltd will present the Make It Your Own Project, which engages children and young people through creative arts to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.
• Samantha Marsh from Why Not Trust will present on The Village (their digital community for new parents and parents-to-be with experience of care), highlighting community-led support services that provide practical and emotional assistance to children, young people, and families across Falkirk District.

To register for a place at this forum meeting, please contact Laura Jamieson by email: laura@cvsfalkirk.org.uk

Alternatively, if you have any questions about the agenda, or for further information, contact Eloise Wilson by email: eloise.wilson@cvsfalkirk.org.uk