Giving Children a Voice: Introducing the Kids Are Kids! Child Advisory Council
Posted in News -
At Kids Are Kids!, we are committed to providing services that are child-centred, responsive and continually improving. An important part of this is listening directly to the children who experience our services.
In September, we launched our Child Advisory Council, bringing together a small group of children to share their perspectives and ideas about their experiences at Kids Are Kids!
The Council provides a structured, child-friendly opportunity for children to tell us what works well, what could be improved and what is important to them when they access therapy.
Our first session was held on 30 September at our Bateman Centre.
Children took part in a range of activities designed to support them to share their views in ways that suited them. This included discussion, visual activities and sharing ideas about their experiences.
One of the questions we explored was:
“What helps you get ready for a therapy session?”
The children identified a range of things that help them feel prepared and comfortable, including:
- Listening to music, including in the car on the way to therapy
- Having a snack beforehand
- Talking with a parent or trusted adult
- Bringing a water bottle
- Having supportive family members involved
We also asked what helps when they arrive at therapy.
The children told us that fidget items and squishies, easy access to water, somewhere comfortable to sit and having time to settle in can all make a difference. Taking a deep breath and having an opportunity to talk before starting their session were also identified as helpful.
While these may appear to be small details, they provide valuable insight into how children experience our services and what can help them feel comfortable and ready to participate.
Creating opportunities for every child to contribute
The Child Advisory Council is designed to support children with different communication styles and preferences.
Children can contribute through talking, drawing, writing, visual activities or supported communication. There are no right or wrong answers, and children can choose what they would like to share.
We also recognise that participating in a group can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming for some children. Sessions are designed to be welcoming and predictable, with experienced therapists available to support children throughout the session.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Children can take a break, choose not to answer a question or opt out of an activity at any time.
Why child voice matters
Children experience our services differently from parents, carers and professionals. Their feedback can highlight aspects of the therapy environment and experience that adults may not always notice.
By creating a regular opportunity for children to share their perspectives, the Child Advisory Council will help us better understand their experiences and identify opportunities to improve our services.
The Council is one part of our broader commitment to child-centred practice, continuous improvement and ensuring children’s voices are considered in decisions that affect their experience of Kids Are Kids!
The group will continue to meet twice a year during school holidays, with children invited to participate based on their readiness and comfort in a small group setting.
We are grateful to the children who participated in our first session and shared their ideas so openly.
Their feedback has given us practical ideas to think about, and importantly, it has established a new way for us to keep listening to the children at the centre of our work.
