NHS Scotland Event 2022

Back to Spotlight Session 1

Topic 3: SMS: CONNECT – The Creation of an Online, Award-winning, Self-Management Service for Children and Young People with Long-Term Health Conditions

11:45 - 13:00

SMS: CONNECT – The Creation of an Online, Award-winning, Self-Management Service for Children and Young People with Long-Term Health Conditions

The health and wellbeing of children and young people (CYP) lies at the heart of the work of Children’s Health Scotland. 

For over ten years, Children’s Health Scotland has been successfully delivering a face to face Self-Management Service (SMS) to CYP living with long-term health conditions in Edinburgh and the Lothians (SMS:F2F). The programme supports participants to develop skills to cope with their condition including self-care, relaxation techniques, managing stress and building self-esteem and confidence.

In March 2020, SMS:F2F was paused due to COVID-19 restrictions. During this time, they became increasingly aware of CYP feeling isolated and experiencing poor mental health. Referral numbers soared and they realised that they had to explore how to continue to deliver their services in an accessible format. This lead to the creation of SMS: CONNECT, an online self-management programme for CYP with health conditions.

This presentation will highlight that by moving online, they were able to offer the service across Scotland and have now received referrals from ten NHS Boards. The outcome data collected demonstrates that SMS: CONNECT has had a significant impact on the CYP who have participated, particularly in building resilience.

Gill Sutherland

Head of Children’s Health and Wellbeing Service, Children’s Health Scotland

Gill has been working at Children’s Health Scotland since October 2021. She is a qualified Social Worker with over 30 years’ experience in the voluntary sector and the NHS.

Beth Davidson

Children’s Health and Wellbeing Services Coordinator, Children’s Health Scotland

Beth has been working at Children’s Health Scotland since August 2021, co-ordinating the delivery of their Self-Management Service Programmes for children and young people with health conditions across Scotland.