The Forest at Merchiston to host Open Morning on 15 June
Edinburgh’s answer to progressive education, The Forest at Merchiston, is to open its woodland gates to prospective families on 15 June between 9:30am – 11:30am for a truly enchanting Open Event.
Merchiston Castle School’s highly anticipated Forest Nursery and Junior School will welcome families interested in the cutting-edge, co-educational provision for an interactive Open Morning in the gorgeous 100-acre wooded grounds.
Alongside hands-on activities and Forest games, attendees will hear from The Forest Head Teacher, Davina Bowers, about this pioneering new offering, and have the chance to speak to the newly appointed Forest teaching staff.
Opening in September 2024, The Forest Nursery and Junior School seeks to bring a holistic approach to childhood development to Edinburgh.
Founded in Forest school principles, which prioritises child-centred outdoor learning, this educational offering will provide boys and girls ages 3 – 5 (Forest Nursery) and year groups P1 – P3 (Forest Junior) the very best formative years of education.
Davina Bowers, Head Teacher of The Forest Nursery and Junior School, said: “We are very excited to be hosting this Open Morning for prospective families to discover more about The Forest at Merchiston.
“This is the first chance for parents to meet our passionate Forest team and learn about our vibrant academic curriculum. We will also be answering questions, covering everything from after-school activities to uniform and more.
“As with all our Forest events, we are incorporating some fun Forest-themed activities to keep the little ones – and big ones – entertained! There will even be a surprise visit from a very special guest to add to the magical atmosphere.”
The Forest at Merchiston’s Open Morning is taking place on Saturday 15 June between 9:30am – 11:30am. Registration is required to attend the event, please do so here.
• Last year Childline delivered almost 8,200 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland
• In more than 700 of these sessions the young person said that Childline was the first place they had shared their concerns
• Almost all these counselling sessions were conducted online – 59% via 1-2-1 chat and 41% via email.
• The NSPCC calls on the public to play their part for children by getting involved in Childhood Day.
The NSPCC’s Childline service delivered nearly 8,200 counselling sessions last year to children and young people from Scotland, with poor mental health, difficulty with family relationships and friendship issues some of the top concerns.
As the charity prepared for its third annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 7th) it issued a rallying call for families to come together to celebrate childhood by signing-up or joining in on one of the many fundraising activities taking place around the country.
In 2023/24 Childline delivered 8,190 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland dealing with a range of worries. Almost all these counselling sessions were conducted online – 59% via 1-2-1 chat and 41% via email – highlighting the changing way in which the service is now provided.
In more than 700 sessions the young person said Childline was the first place they had talked about their concern, reinforcing how vital the service continues to be for children.
The new data released by the NSPCC gives an indicator of the issues and problems facing children and young people in 2024. It also highlights the need for children and parents to find fun ways to spend time together and have conversations about what is taking place in their lives.
Childhood Day brings people together across the UK, Jersey and the Channel Islands to celebrate the joys of being a child, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.
This year, for the first time ever, we are held a Childline Sports Day in Glasgow’s Golden Jubilee Hotel. This fun-filled event saw 13 teams battle against each other in physical and cerebral activities to win the coveted Sports Day trophy.
There were lots of fun interactive moments, with live linkups from the other Childline sports day events taking place in Manchester and London, to bring everyone together, and a silent auction, donations, raffle, BBQ, drinks and live entertainment.
While children from Festival Park Day Nursery in Lorne Street, Glasgow, visited Kinning Park Care Home residents on Childhood Day on Friday (June 7) for a day of “intergenerational connection” to show the benefits of interaction between young and old, such as children learning from their elders as well as helping to improve the residents’ mental health. The day includde story time, nursery rhymes and games.
Anne Marie Vernel, Depute Head of Festival Park Day Nursery, said: “The children have been building up relationships with the residents over the past few months and thoroughly enjoy visiting the care home. The children also welcomed the residents into the nursery last month and they were very excited about the visit.
“It’s lovely to see the two generations meet and share stories. History is brought to life when the children hear about what life was like for them when they were growing up, and I’m sure the residents areinterested to hear about childhood experiences today as well.”
People can also get involved by volunteering at a Childhood Day collection, taking on the charity’s Childhood Day Mile or donating directly – including at cash donation points in Lidl GB stores. Additionally, on 7th and 8th June Lidl GB donated £1 to the NSPCC for every customer that spends £10, scans the Lidl Plus app and submits their donation.
Collections took place before the Taylor Swift concert at Murrayfield stadium tram station and at Aberdeen beach Asda yesterday (Saturday).
Further collections will take place across Scotland over the coming days: at Central train station, Glasgow, on Thursday, June 13, at Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow, on June, 14 and 21, at the Foo Fighters concert in Glasgow outside Hampden Park stadium on Monday, June 17 and in Glasgow City Centre on Friday, June 7 with the Rock choir.
All the funds raised from Childhood Day will go towards ensuring the NSPCC can continue to deliver services like Childline to those children who need support and feel they have nowhere else to turn.
Childline often hears from young people about how much the service means to them and positively impacts their lives.
One young person aged 14* from Scotland told Childline: “I want to say thank you so much Childline, you’ve really helped me. I know I can come back anytime for reminders on helping my mental health, or check the website, it’s so good!”
Rebecca Wilcox, President of Childline, said: “As a mother, as well as the President of Childline and a volunteer for the service, I believe it’s incredibly important for young people to have a safe space where they can discuss anything that might be troubling them.
“Childline will always be here for every young person, no matter the nature or size of their concern.”
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “Every day Childline continues to be a safe port for hundreds of children struggling with a widening range of issues and concerns.
“Events like Childhood Day play an essential part in providing the support we need to keep Childline running day and night for young people, some of whom have nowhere else to turn.
“As well as raising vital funds for the NSPCC Childhood Day also encourages children and families to celebrate childhood.
“This is why we are calling on communities, schools and families to take part in fun activities, such as the Childhood Day Mile – where they can hop, skip or jump a mile.”
Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a third year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 7 years, raising over £9 million for the charity in this time.
It is currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding its own events and activities with colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.
Also sponsoring this year’s Childline Sports Day is O2. O2 connects millions of families across the UK and is committed to helping keep children and young people safe when gaming, studying and connecting with friends online.
As part of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, the company is working to improve the digital skills and confidence of six million people by the end of 2025.
Scottish law firm Thorntons is supporting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the headline sponsor for a third year at the charity’s seventh Rocking Horse Ball this summer.
The annual event will take place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh tonight and is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners.
The theme of this year’s Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons, is ‘A Whole New World’ with guests set to enjoy a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.
Comedian and singer Jess Robinson will return to host the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who will entertain guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music will be provided by Scottish duo BLEEKER.
Leading full-service law firm Thorntons offers a full range of legal services to businesses and private clients across the country, with partners regularly volunteering and raising money for CHAS.
Lead partner at the firm’s Edinburgh office, Clare Macpherson, is also a member of the Rocking Horse Ball’s event committee.
Diane Alton, CHAS’s high-profile events manager, said: “We are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a third year for our seventh Rocking Horse Ball.
“With their very generous sponsorship, we are able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that will raise vital funds for CHAS. We can’t wait to sprinkle our magic and take our guests to A Whole New World on the night.”
Clare Macpherson said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland. We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and we’re proud to once again be event sponsors and support their ongoing work.”
The charity provides nationwide hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions at Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch while its CHAS at Home service supports families in their own homes.
To purchase tickets to this year’s event please visit:
New figures show 137 children waiting more for a year for mental health treatment
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling for the Scottish Government to renew its focus on tackling the child mental health emergency.
The SCSC has also warned that the Scottish Government is in in danger of missing its Programme for Government commitment to Increase direct investment into mental health by the end of the parliamentary term, noting that only 75p in every £100 is spent on specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
While health is a devolved matter, it has also noted that the General Election provides an ideal opportunity to talk about this crucial matter in Scotland.
The call comes as the latest waiting time figures from Public Health Scotland, published on 4th June, indicate that 137 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from CAMHS in the quarter ending March 2024.
The figures also show that a total of 5,557 children and young people were still stuck on waiting lists to start treatment at the end of that quarter.
In addition, just 86.0 per cent of patients with mental health problems were seen within 18 weeks from referral to treatment at CAMHS. This falls short of the Scottish Government’s waiting time target of 90 per cent being seen within 18 weeks.
This comes against the background of an increasing level of violent incidents in the classroom, a result in part due to the current mental health emergency, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support.
The Scottish Government in its NHS Recovery Plan 2021-2026 committed to Increase direct investment into mental health by the end of the parliamentary term in 2026, ensuring that 10 per cent of the frontline NHS budget is invested in mental health, with 1 per cent directed specifically to children and young people through CAMHS.2
However, it should be noted that despite greatly increased demand, only 0.75% of the total frontline NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2022/23 financial year, amounting to £114.799 million (real terms), just 75p in every £100 of the NHS budget.
The mental health budget overall amounts to only 8.53% of total frontline NHS expenditure, a decrease of 0.59% from 9.12% in the past decade (2011/12).3
The SCSC is calling the Scottish Government to refocus on the treatment of mental health issues, prioritising spending and avoiding a potential lost generation of children and young people with mental health problems.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures, highlighting that 137 children and young people have been waiting over a year for treatment from mental health services, is extremely alarming.
“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels. Despite this, too many are waiting too long for treatment, and if the Scottish Government is to reach its financial commitment to spend 1 per cent of the frontline NHS budget on CAMHS, it will need to radically increase investment.
“While health is a devolved matter, this General Election provides an opportunity to talk about it, and we would urge the Scottish Government to refocus its efforts on delivering services that adequately address the needs of our children and young people.”
The NSPCC has launched new resources designed to encourage more fathers and male carers to take an active role in their children’s early development. And with Father’s Day just around the corner the charity wants more dads to sign up.
Look, Say, Sing, Play is a set of fun and science-based resources which have been helping new parents since being launched in 2019. It provides activities that can be enjoyed with babies and toddlers to help encourage higher quality interactions and build stronger bonds.
Parents are encouraged to Look at what their baby is focusing on and how they react, Say what they’re doing and copy the sounds their baby makes, Sing along to their favourite tune and Play simple games and see what their baby enjoys.
There has been a strong take-up of the service by mums, but only 10% of sign-ups were from dads, so the NSPCC held focus groups with expectant dads and those with new babies and toddlers, to see how to encourage more men to sign up.
The charity also worked with Father Support Workers and other professionals to understand how they’d like to use Look, Say, Sing, Play.
We found that fathers and male carers preferred to have outdoor and more physical activities that they could enjoy with their children, and they wanted to get more information about the science behind the programme.
As a result, Look, Say, Sing, Play with Daddy has been created with a whole range of free activities specifically designed to enable professionals working with dads and male caregivers to support them in early attachment, brain development…and having lots of fun with their 0-2 year olds.
The activity book created by the NSPCC features a four-week programme of activities that parents can do with their young children, with several options of varying activities suggested for each week.
Parents and carers can sign up to the main Look, Say, Sing, Play activities at www.nspcc.org.uk, with resources for dads and male caregivers available on NSPCC Learning.
Campaigners respond to annual Scottish child poverty reports
Child poverty campaigners respond to latest child progress reports from Scottish Government and independent Poverty and Inequality Commission.
One in four children still living in poverty, against 2030 target of less than one in ten.
“Reports are crystal clear that progress has stalled” say campaigners.
John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, has responded to the publication of the Scottish Government’s sixth Annual Tackling Child Poverty Progress Report and the Poverty and Inequality Commission independent scrutiny report.
The annual report is a statutory requirement under the 2017 Child Poverty (Scotland) Act and sets out the progress made towards meeting legally binding child poverty targets. The Act requires Scottish Ministers to consult the Commission in preparing its report.
Mr Dickie said; “We have seen very real action on child poverty in Scotland, not least the roll out of the Scottish child payment, but today’s reports are crystal clear that progress has stalled and that the policies in place are not enough to meet statutory targets. If child poverty really is the First Minister’s number one priority, then investment decisions need to back that up.”
Responding to the Cabinet Secretary’s statement to Parliament yesterday in which she said it had “not been possible to invest in all of the actions the government would have wished“, Mr Dickie said: “The failure of the 2024/25 Scottish budget to fully fund the childcare, employment and housing actions in the government’s own plan must never be repeated. The Scottish government’s child poverty delivery plan needs to be turbocharged, not underfunded.
“All political parties need to act at every level of government to deliver the economic, tax and spending plans that will ensure every family has the resources needed to protect their children from poverty. Here in Scotland the first step needs to be an immediate real terms increase to the Scottish child payment, and a commitment to ensure it reaches £40 per week by the end of the Parliament.
“At UK level all parties must commit to scrapping the poverty producing two-child limit and to increasing child benefit by £20 per week.
“Our children deserve nothing less.”
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 requires Scottish Ministers to ensure less than less than 10% of children are living in poverty by 2030.
The latest official statistics (for 2021 to 2023) show that 24% of children (250 000 children) were living in poverty in Scotland.
THIS Child Safety Week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has identified three products that can cause devastation if used incorrectly and urges parents and carers to skill up on the risks.
Following devastating stories in the press about babies who have died, RoSPA says there’s still more work to do when it comes to education around baby slings, nappy sacks and baby baths.
Baby slings
Baby slings have become a popular choice for parents, offering a convenient way to carry their infants while keeping their hands free. However, safety is largely dependent on the safe usage of slings.
As with all child-related products, RoSPA says it is vital to follow safety advice and manufacturer’s guidelines, and that parents should always check the instructions relating to size, weight and age. Importantly, baby slings should never be used for premature or underweight babies, as these scenarios pose a risk of death.
RoSPA advocates products that keep babies upright and allow parents to see their baby and to ensure that the face isn’t restricted. Babies should be able to breathe easily, be at a comfortable temperature, and held in positions that are healthy and beneficial for them.
The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers provides the following advice to baby sling wearers: “Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S acronym”:
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back.
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said:“Baby wearing is a natural phenomenon that has been around since the dawn of time – and while we encourage people to find a way to carry and connect with their children, we are keen to highlight how to do so safely.
“We urge people to be aware of the TICKS advice and to always ensure the carrier they are using is suitable for their child’s height and weight – they should never be used for underweight or premature babies.”
Bath seats
Since 2019, RoSPA is aware of at least 5 deaths that have been reported where babies have drowned in baths using baby bath seats.
There are several bath seats and other devices on the market that enable a young child to remain seated whilst in the bathwater.
The main risk with these products is the baby being left unattended (even for short periods of time), the seat then tipping over or become detached and the baby sadly drowning.
If parents do choose to use a bath seat, they should:
always keep the child within arm’s reach
never leave the child, even for a second
do not let bath seats give you a false sense of security – bath seats are NOT safety devices
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said:“A child can drown in a bath very quickly and quietly in very shallow water.This situation can be made worse by a young child’s inability to self-rescue – their heads still weigh proportionately more than their bodies compared to adults and their muscular control is not yet fully developed.
“We therefore would like to remind parents and carers that they should always stay within arms reach of their baby at all times when they are in the bath, and that it’s not safe to leave them unattended, even for a few seconds.”
Parents and carers are generally aware of the dangers posed by plastic bags, but in many cases do not make the same link to nappy sacks and so may be less likely to take the same safety precautions.
RoSPA is aware of at least 22 deaths since 2001 where a baby has been suffocated by a nappy sack. The typical scenario associated with deaths is that the nappy sacks are stored within the baby’s reach, close to the baby’s cot, including under the mattress.
This method of storage is often for the convenience of the parent or carer. In some of the cases, the nappy sacks had been left near to or in the baby’s cot for ease of changing the baby’s nappy in the night.
In many homes these loose nappy sacks are kept within easy reach of babies, under the baby’s pram, or close to the baby’s cot. In other cases, nappy sacks are left loose on the side are at risk of blowing into the cot from the wind, or being accessed by the child’s young siblings who don’t understand the risks.
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Young babies naturally grasp at anything and put it in their mouths, and once they have grasped a nappy sack, they find it more difficult to let go. Nappy sacks are flimsy and can easily fit over a baby’s mouth or nose or into a baby’s mouth.
“Babies under one-year-old are particularly at risk of suffocation and choking from plastic sheets and bags. Once the nappy sack is over their face, they do not have the manual dexterity to remove the nappy sack, which can result in suffocation.
“We therefore advise parents and carers to make some simple changes that can increase their child’s safety, such as always keeping nappy sacks and other plastic bags away from babies and young children, and to always store them out of reach, ideally in a drawer or cupboard, and out of close proximity to cots, sleepers and prams.
“Nappy sacks should be kept in their packaging, including on a roll if supplied that way, and never stored loose”
The Big Kid Circus spectacle is set to land at Fort Kinnaird for the first time this week – with each performance guaranteeing thrills, excitement and laughter.
From tomorrow – Wednesday 5th June – Sunday 9th June, the big top will be pitched in the car park at Fort Kinnaird, with several performances taking place each day.
The show, called ILLUMINATION, celebrates the extraordinary abilities all circus performers have and includes the first ever all-female ‘globe of death’ act in Europe.
Andrew Kinross, Outdoor Commercialisation Manager at Space and People, which has organised the event, said:“Customers have absolutely loved visiting the Big Kid Circus at other venues across the UK and we are thrilled to host the Big Kid Circus at Fort Kinnaird.
“I’m in awe at how talented the performers are, I can’t wait to see what tricks they have up their sleeves this year. They’ve promised lots of surprises so I’m sure it will live up to its mayhem theme.”
Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re always looking for new and different experiences for our visitors and Big Kid Circus is just that. It will be a great summer’s day out for all of the family to enjoy and we look forward to welcoming everyone in the local area to see the show.”
Fort Kinnaird has advised walking or taking public transport to and from the event where possible. If travelling by car, please be aware that the car parks are likely to be busier than normal.
The Big Kid Circus will officially kick off tomorrow – on Wednesday 5th June at 7pm. Following this, the dates and showtimes are as follows:
Thursday 6th June at 4.45pm and 7.30pm
Friday 7th June at 4.45pm and 7.30pm
Saturday 8th June at 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm
Sunday 9th June at 12.30pm and 3pm
The Box Office is open on site from 10am – 8pm from Monday 3rd June.
Tickets range in price from £12.99 for adults, £10.99 for children and people aged 60+, while children under two can attend for free*.
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from the box office at the circus, subject to availability. Wheelchair users and visitors with disabilities should call 07766552211 to discuss access arrangements and to book tickets in advance.
Terms and conditions about tickets and the event itself are also available via the Big Kid Circus website www.bigkidcircus.co.uk/events
*Adults are 16+ and children are between 2 – 16 years old.
Over £80,000 was raised for a disabled children’s charity during its annual star-studded fundraising ball at the weekend.
Almost 300 people turned out for the Secret Garden-themed black-tie affair, The Yard’s Big Fun Raiser, at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh on Saturday 1 June 2024, raising funds through tickets, a raffle and silent auction.
The Yard works with children and young people aged 0-25 with Additional Support Needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.
The service offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training.
Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard, said, “Since opening our secret garden at Canonmills our dreams have taken root and flourished. We’ve grown, extending our arms to over 2600 young people annually across Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife.
“Now, we’re actively working towards spreading our unique model of family support and service excellence even further across Scotland.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity shown at The Big Fun Raiser, we can unlock the potential of countless more families across Scotland by expanding The Yard’s reach and opening the doors to even more secret gardens of support, joy, and friendship.”
Edinburgh Mum Megan Davidson whose son Toby (5) attends The Yard, gave a speech highlighting the importance of the charity to her family.
Megan said, “Toby is unique, creative, fun and loving, and big brother to Phoebe who is two, going on 25. Toby is also autistic and has a chromosome duplication. When he started playgroup, Toby really struggled and his behaviour was challenging. Although the staff were amazing, I dreaded pick-up and what they might say. Then, one day, a member of staff told us about The Yard. At that point, he hadn’t been diagnosed but that wasn’t an issue and, what’s more, I could take Phoebe too!
“From our first visit, the nerves began to get lighter and Toby was having so much fun. I was no longer the odd one out; everyone got it! They offered us support, advice and friendship. There is nowhere else you will find such selfless people; the team are 100% there for the children and he adores them. The Yard is his ‘yes’ place, his safe space, his happy place where he can be himself and celebrated for who he is.
“It’s also a place where Phoebe is included alongside her brother. Her experiences and the friendships she is forming are making her an advocate for inclusion. I wish all children had the opportunity she has had.
“The Yard saved me; it gave me a place to heal when I needed it the most. It has educated me and, most importantly, made me see just how beautiful our children are and that the world is better for having them in it.”
The Scotland Euro 2024 Men’s Squad surprised patients at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow this afternoon with an unexpected meet and greet, ahead of jetting off to Germany next week.
There were squeals of excitement and joy throughout the hospital as Captain, Andrew Robertson, led the team of Scotland’s best male footballers and coaches to visit patients and their families on the wards.
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament kicks off on Friday 14th June, with Scotland playing Germany in the tournament’s opening match. Having noted the incredible work of the RHC staff and the care that they provide for children from across the country, the squad visited to give thanks to the hospital – and, of course, to drum up excitement among their youngest supporters.
Scotland Team Captain, Andy Robertson said: “It was a privilege for us to visit the Royal Hospital for Children and see the dedicated work of the staff up close.
“We have a squad of players from different backgrounds, at different ages and stages, but the vast majority will have a personal story to tell about loved ones who have benefited from the care and expertise on offer from RHC or somewhere similar.
“It was impossible not to be moved by the kids we met, especially as the father of young children myself. They’re all facing into their own difficult, varied challenges but, in every case, their resilience shines through and it’s reassuring to know they’re being looked after as well as they are by hospital staff, and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, who are doing everything they can for them.
“We are not short on motivation for the Euros, but it meant a lot to hear how excited they all are to watch the games and follow our progress. They won’t be far from our thoughts when we’re in Germany.”
The RHC and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity work hard throughout the year to bring experiences to patients and their families that extend ‘further than the medicine’ – including visits like these.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow explained: “We can’t believe how lucky we have been to have the Scotland team visit us today.
“We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the smiles they created today, and we hope they take that energy and have great success in Germany. We pride ourselves on our person-centred care, and this visit has inspired hope, strength and tenacity in the kids and their families. It was just what we all needed”.
Kirsteen Watson from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity added: “We are so grateful to the squad for visiting the children’s hospital today.
“The children felt like VIPs when they realised that the players had taken time away from the training pitch to pay them a special visit, and many have made memories that will last a lifetime.
“There was a sense of unity, hope and positivity during the visit, which can truly transform the hospital experience for children and young people. I’d like to thank our donors and volunteers who help to create moments like this all year round by supporting our hospital play programme.”
