Passion Projects for Person & Family Centred Care

Where lived experience meets leadership

At the Women’s & Children’s Health Network (WCHN), we believe the best healthcare is created in partnership. In collaboration with the Friends of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital, our Person & Family Centred Care Passion Projects bring together consumers, families and staff to co-design solutions that reflect what matters most.

Supported through the Friends’ longstanding commitment to improving patient care, these projects turn lived experience into meaningful action—driving real improvements through collaboration, creativity and shared purpose.

About the Passion Projects Program

WCHN is committed to embedding Person and Family Centred Care across all services—ensuring patients, families and carers are active partners in care, not just recipients. This commitment is reflected in how we treat people with dignity and respect, communicate openly, involve consumers in decision-making, and lead with kindness and compassion.

Passion Projects are funded, solution-focused initiatives that bring this approach to life—supporting practical improvements to care experiences across the network. Each year, selected projects can receive up to $10,000 to deliver innovative, measurable outcomes within 12 months. All projects are co-designed with consumers and developed in partnership with the Consumer and Community Engagement Unit.

Person and Family Centred Care is a globally recognised, evidence-based approach that:

  • Improves patient and family experiences

  • Strengthens clinical outcomes

  • Supports staff engagement and wellbeing

  • Creates more compassionate, human-centred healthcare

This program is proudly supported by the Friends of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital. For more than 30 years, the Friends have enhanced patient care by funding vital equipment, improving facilities, and supporting initiatives that make a real difference. Their support enables Passion Projects to flourish—turning community-driven ideas into meaningful outcomes for patients, families and staff.

Types of Projects We Support

Eligible initiatives include:

  • New communication approaches

  • Workshops, forums or health promotion programs

  • Pilot programs or therapeutic innovations

  • Consumer-led service or environment redesign

  • Facility or equipment improvements driven by consumer input

Not eligible:

  • Projects without consumer involvement

  • Research-only initiatives

  • Pre-determined or non–Person and Family Centred Care activities

Passion Project: Sensory Project - empowering children to learn, grow and feel calm through hands-on, multi-sensory experiences that build confidence, connection and development.

Passion Project: Cleft & Craniofacial Therapy Kits — supporting therapy, reducing stress, and helping kids like Patrick build confidence and skills.

Who, How & Support

Who can apply

  • WCHN staff

  • WCHN teams working in partnership with consumers

How to apply

  • Co-design your idea with consumers

  • Engage early with the Consumer & Community Engagement Unit

  • Submit your application outlining goals, outcomes and impact

Funding

  • Up to $10,000 per project

  • Annual funding pool available

  • Funds to be used within 18 months

Support & guidance
The Consumer & Community Engagement Unit works alongside project teams to:

  • Provide guidance and support

  • Ensure alignment with frameworks and policies

  • Promote meaningful consumer participation

Are you ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re passionate about improving care and working in partnership with consumers, we encourage you to apply.

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Together, we can create better experiences for patients, families and staff—one project at a time.