The Inner Gippsland Area Partnership is using co-design to develop fresh approaches to build the capacity of local parents to foster an environment where children can thrive in their first 1000 days (conception to age two).
Running over eight weeks, teams from the four local government areas in Inner Gippsland were established (Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe and South Gippsland). Each team focused on working on a key issue in their community using a co-design process to identify and develop innovative ways to improve outcomes for children in their early years. The process deepened people’s understanding of the issues and the protective factors that support positive wellbeing and development in children, directly informing the prototypes and solutions developed.
The Latrobe team focused on what can be done to support Aboriginal children and their families to overcome trauma and have a strong connection to culture, so they have the care and support they need to thrive.
Latrobe Team Guide and HIPPY Coordinator at Anglicare Victoria, Jade Walsh, said the reason the co-design process worked so well was because of the strength and passion of the people involved.
‘What is making this process work is the incredible team that we have and the additional members from our community that are joining us in our work. We are seriously kicking goals together. Not only are we supportive of one another, but we continue to push one another to reach our full potential in the co-design process,’ Ms Walsh said.
‘It’s inspiring – and when we are all sitting together getting stuck into the co-design process, I look around and can see just how passionate all those around the table are about making some much needed changes to our community, for our community.’
The four teams presented to 130 leaders from all tiers of government, community services and agencies, philanthropy, community and local business at the Inner Gippsland First 1000 Days Symposium in May 2017. All teams received feedback and have a commitment from Symposium attendees to support further development of their ideas, and are currently working to refine each of the prototypes and test them further with community prior to implementation.
Inner Gippsland is one of eight Children and Youth Area Partnerships that are working to ensure that all children and young people grow up happy, healthy, resilient, engaged and able to reach their potential.
For more information visit the Area Partnerships website
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