Do you know someone special who deserves an exclusive teddy award?

The Scottish Children’s Health Awards exist to celebrate courageous children and young people, and those who are making a difference to their health and wellbeing.

Nominations are now open, and you have until 5pm on Friday 12 July 2024 to nominate someone special. The award categories are as follows:

CHILDREN’S CHOICE

Relationships shape the way we see the world and affect all areas of our learning and development. This award has been created to give a child/young person the chance to say ‘thank you’ to someone special in their life who is making or has made a significant difference to their world.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

When parents leave their children in the care of practitioners, they also hand over responsibility for their health and wellbeing. This award celebrates an individual or team who are making a difference to the health and wellbeing of children through their treatment or advocacy.

HEALTHCARE RIGHTS

All children and young people have human and healthcare rights. These rights are articulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the European Association for Children in Hospital (EACH) Charter. This award acknowledges the extraordinary steps taken by a nominee to advance the healthcare rights of children and young people.

HEALTH-RELATED PLAY

Health-related play is more than just a chance to have fun – it can help children physically, mentally and emotionally and is an essential part of treatment that can help to speed up recovery either in hospital or at home. This award recognises those making a significant difference to a child’s life through health-related play.

IMPROVING LIFE EXPERIENCES

Recognising the commitment and expertise of a nominee or team making a significant difference to improving life experiences of a child or young person undergoing treatment. From developing the confidence and resilience of a child or young person, to teaching basic skills and habits, this award recognises those going above and beyond to help young people learn skills which help them deal with challenges later in their life.

YOUNG ACHIEVER

Celebrating a child or young person who has shown great determination and kept going, when it might have been so much easier to give up. This award seeks to celebrate any child or young person who has gone above and beyond, showing enormous courage in their life and never giving up.

The winners will be revealed during Scottish Children’s Health Week on 2-8 September 2024.

For further information and to make your nomination, please visit the Children’s Health Scotland Awards website (linked for your convenience).