A groundbreaking facility dedicated to children’s health and well-being has officially opened in Bathurst, Australia. The Children’s Voices Centre (CVC), led by renowned researcher Sharynne McLeod, aims to amplify the voices of children worldwide, focusing on their perspectives regarding health and access to healthcare services. The centre was inaugurated on October 1, 2023, at the Bathurst campus of Charles Sturt University.
Professor McLeod, who is recognized among the top two percent of scientists globally for her work in enhancing equitable participation for children with speech, language, and communication needs, expressed the centre’s dual mission. “It’s focused on research with children, for children, and about children,” she stated. The CVC will not only conduct research but also train emerging researchers to collaborate effectively on projects that engage children in meaningful ways.
The centre’s research initiatives have garnered international attention, particularly from the World Health Organization (WHO). Professor McLeod revealed that WHO has invited the CVC to spearhead a global research project aimed at understanding children’s health perspectives and their access to healthcare. This significant research will be showcased at a WHO meeting in Fiji later this year.
In collaboration with the United Nations (UN), the CVC is positioned uniquely in the world to conduct this vital research. “There’s nowhere else in the world to do this research,” Professor McLeod emphasized. The centre focuses on involving children as partners in studies that impact their lives, ensuring their voices are heard in discussions about healthcare.
One ongoing project invites children to illustrate their definitions of health. Participants have been asked to draw themselves and specify what contributes to their health, including their ideal healthcare facilities. “So far, we have received well over 100 drawings from about 14 different countries,” Professor McLeod noted. This initiative particularly highlights the perspectives of children with disabilities, aiming to understand their views on accessing healthcare and envisioning exemplary hospital environments.
Another notable project involves a partnership with the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service. Collaborating with local Indigenous communities, the CVC has worked with children, parents, and elders to create a library of books authored by Indigenous people for Indigenous audiences. These resources are available online, supporting broader access to culturally relevant materials.
Professor McLeod attributes the success of the Children’s Voices Centre to its dedicated team, affectionately referred to as “The Treehouse.” “The team is amazing,” she remarked, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives the centre’s initiatives. Justin Williams, the manager of development for Charles Sturt advancement, echoed her sentiments, describing the facility as “unique in the world.”
The centre features creative spaces for children, including outdoor areas and dedicated offices for academic research. However, funding remains a critical concern. Mr. Williams highlighted the need for public support, stating, “My main role is to raise funds for the things that we’re doing… Philanthropy is going to be a real driver to continue the great work of this centre.”
As the Children’s Voices Centre embarks on its mission to reshape the discourse around children’s health, its innovative approach and global collaborations position it as a leader in the field. With an emphasis on listening to children’s voices, the CVC aims to transform how healthcare systems engage with and address the needs of the youngest members of society.
