At Wesley Kids we believe that children and their close supporters have invaluable lived experience, insight and ideas. We are committed to building genuine partnerships with children and their families, incorporating their voices into our service delivery to ensure we are meeting their needs in the most effective way. This guiding principle was embedded from the design stage of Wesley Kids, as we sought meaningful feedback on child and family mental health service provision through focus group discussions with parents and children in the local community. Three major groups of participants were recruited through existing connections within client, professional and personal networks of WMQ staff, including representatives from key demographic populations such as ATSI, CALD, single parents, low-income earners and out-of-home carers:

1. Parents/Carers
2. Children aged 0-5 (with parents in attendance)
3. Children aged 6-13

Conducting focus groups with children presented unique challenges and considerations that we addressed by ensuring a child-centred environment, age-appropriate discussions, small group sizes, incentives and skilled facilitators with experience connecting with children. We clearly communicated our purpose, encouraged honest feedback and gained informed consent from children and their parents.

Focus group responses have informed the growth and development of Wesley Kids, from the redesign of therapy rooms, to the choice and implementation of programs. We have used child and family feedback to reflect and respond to needs as a team, ensuring that our clients feel welcome and safe in our centre. Responses have additionally been utilized to inform local politicians of the mental health needs of children 0-12 on the Gold Coast.

Ongoing partnerships were created from these focus groups, with the invitation and subsequent commitment from a group of parents/carers and children to be involved in our F.R.I.E.N.D.S of Wesley Kids Advisory group, which will continue to advise and inform our service.