Fund young voices. Help change Scotland’s future.

Children and young people understand the challenges shaping their lives. They also have powerful ideas about what should change. Changing our World, Children in Scotland’s advisory group for young people aged 8 to 25, gives them the space, support and access they need to turn those ideas into action.

Members from different backgrounds meet regularly, online and in person, to discuss the issues that matter to them. They build confidence, develop skills, work together and take their experiences directly to the people making decisions about children’s lives.

This is more than consultation. Young people help shape Children in Scotland’s work; from interviewing new staff and informing our values to selecting workshops and co-chairing our annual conference. Their insight helps us deliver meaningful change for children, young people, families, and the sector across Scotland.

From lived experience to lasting change

When members raised concerns about vaping among their peers, Changing our World acted. The group explored the issue across several meetings, shared its views directly with Scotland’s Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, delivered a conference workshop and published an evidence paper with recommendations for decision-makers.

That work earned Changing our World the Healthcare Rights Award at the 2024 Scottish Children’s Health Awards. More importantly, it showed young people that their voices can reach ministers, inform public debate and press for change. The group continues to champion issues including education, inclusion and the environment.

Your donation keeps young people at the table

Children and young people's voices, views and experiences are integral to evidencing the need for change for children across Scotland. Funds raised will help us run accessible online and in-person meetings, provide skilled participation support, remove barriers to taking part and create opportunities for members to meet decision-makers and share their work.

Donate today and help ensure that decisions affecting children and young people are shaped with them, not simply made for them. Together, we can give young voices the support, confidence and platform to change their world.