We talked to parents and carers. We were particularly keen to talk to parents who still used private health cover and work with them to make arrangements so that they can use NDIS funding in the future. That’s gone well. We also had some wonderful feedback from parents and carers who were really excited by the change as it will allow us to create a more home-like environment for the kids. And we’ve had strong interest in the Home & Living accommodation which is great.

We talked to staff. We’ve had lots of Q&A sessions and emails going out afterwards so that everyone is on the same page. We’ve had some great discussions and some great outcomes, with some changes to some of the proposed plans and continued discussions as we draw up new processes and finalise the details. We’ve also had a few Focus Groups starting out – one looking at clinical escalation and one looking at Allowah’s name (which will just be Allowah!).

We are in the middle of our co-design process with parents, carers and staff, looking at the physical spaces where the Children’s Services will be and where the Young Adult accommodation will be. We are also going to start co-designing processes with staff.

We are confident that the changes we are making will allow Allowah to continue to care for children and young adults in the best way possible.

Stay tuned for more news as the Next Chapter unfolds.

– Liz