Passion Projects for Person & Family Centred Care
Where lived experience meets leadership
Passion Project Funding Applications Are Now Open!
Do you have an idea that could make a real difference to the experience of children, young people and families at WCHN? The 2026 Passion Project Funding Program, proudly supported by the Friends of WCHN, is now seeking applications. Applications close 30th September 2026. See below for more information
About the Passion Projects Program
The Friends of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital (Friends) believe the best healthcare is created in partnership with the people who use it.
In collaboration with the Women’s & Children’s Health Network (WCHN), the Person & Family Centred Care Passion Projects bring together consumers, families and staff to co-design practical solutions that reflect what matters most to patients and families.
WCHN is committed to embedding Person and Family Centred Care across its services—ensuring patients, families and carers are active partners in their care, not simply recipients. This means treating people with dignity and respect, communicating openly, involving consumers in decision-making, and leading with kindness and compassion.
Passion Projects bring these principles to life by supporting innovative, solution-focused initiatives that improve care experiences across the network. Each year, selected projects can receive up to $5,000 to deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes within 12 months. 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 experiences for patients and families
Strengthens clinical outcomes
Supports staff engagement and wellbeing
Creates more compassionate, human-centred healthcare
The Passion Projects are proudly supported by the Friends of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital. For more than 30 years, the Friends have been committed to enhancing patient care by funding vital equipment, improving facilities and supporting initiatives that make a genuine difference.
Through the Passion Projects, the Friends help turn lived experience and community-driven ideas into meaningful action, supporting collaboration, creativity and shared purpose to create better experiences and outcomes for patients, families and staff.
Passion Project Funding Applications Now Open
Do you have an idea that could make a real difference?
The 2026 Passion Project Funding Program, proudly supported by the Friends of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital, is now open for applications. Passion Projects support staff and consumer-led ideas that improve the experience of children, young people and families at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Network (WCHN).
We are looking for projects that enhance person and family-centred care through areas such as kindness, compassion, dignity, respect, communication, accessible information and shared decision-making.
Working together to create better care
We encourage WCHN staff and consumers to work together to develop and submit ideas that reflect what matters most to patients, families and the people who care for them.
A great example is the Cleft and Craniofacial Service Family Information Project, where families and staff worked together to improve the information and support available to parents navigating their child’s care journey.
Projects like this demonstrate the impact of co-design — working in partnership with consumers to develop practical solutions that respond directly to their experiences and needs.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are reviewed by a diverse assessment panel comprising representatives from:
Friends of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Consumer Advocates
Consumer and Community Engagement Directorate
Successful projects are selected through a collaborative assessment process.
Applications will be reviewed in October, with successful projects announced in November.
If you have an idea that could create a better experience for patients, families or staff, we encourage you to apply.
For more information or to discuss your idea contact:
Andrew Wade andrew.wade2@sa.gov.au or Rachel Taylor rachel.taylor@sa.gov.au or call 8161 8445
Together, we can turn great ideas into meaningful improvements in person and family-centred care — one project at a time.
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 $5,000 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