Participation

Scottish Government UNCRC Innovation Fund: Hello in There, Wee One

November 22, 2024 by Children's Rights Team No Comments | Category Children & young people, Guest blog

The Scottish Government has funded several initiatives, through the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) Innovation Fund, to support public authorities to embed a children’s human rights approach. Eight projects were funded, led by local authorities and including partnerships with organisations in the arts, education, justice and health sectors. The projects were developed and have been thriving even before the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 came into force on July 16 this year.  Below you’ll find an interesting overview of a project in Dundee. Check out yesterday’s blog post to read about another interesting Innovation Fund project, the South Lanarkshire pathway project.

Hello in There, Wee One: A project to connect with Dundee’s newest citizens

The Hello in There, Wee One project was designed to support bonding between parents and their babies before birth. With partners from NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and the University of Dundee, the project emphasised the importance of early communication, helping expectant parents connect with their babies from the very beginning.

At the heart of this project is a belief that a child’s sense of security and belonging starts before birth. By encouraging parents-to-be to communicate with their growing “wee one” the project aimed to foster emotional bonds to support the baby’s development and emotional wellbeing.

The book created as part of this initiative, Hello In There Wee One, offers tips and ideas for parents, such as talking and singing to the baby, and imagining shared future experiences. These small moments of connection can be powerful, allowing parents to build a foundation of love and security that their child can feel, before entering the world.

The book offers practical guidance, encouraging parents to communicate naturally and build a relationship at their own pace. It includes a pledge from Scotland to protect and cherish each child, highlighting the nation’s commitment to supporting children’s rights, from infancy and beyond.

Through Hello in There, Wee One, families in Dundee are encouraged to connect deeply with their baby before birth, setting the stage for lifelong bonds, understanding, and trust. This initiative is contributing to a Scotland where every child feels seen, heard, and loved right from the start.

Read more blog posts on children and young people engagement.

Tags: children and young people, children's rights, Dundee, guest blog, UNCRC, young people

Comments