Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (AWCH)

11/06/2026

🎈 International Day of Play: 11 June 🎈

Play is so much more than fun. It helps children build confidence, creativity, resilience and connection. It’s how children learn, grow and make sense of the world around them. 

For children in hospital, play can be especially powerful. It offers comfort during difficult times, creates moments of normalcy, and helps reduce fear and anxiety.

Through AWCH’s Ward Grandparent Program, our volunteers bring the power of play to children in hospital every day, whether it’s reading a story, sharing a game, creating art, or simply spending time together.

This International Day of Play, we’re celebrating every playful moment that helps a child feel seen, supported and cared for 💛

03/06/2026

We’re proud to share that the Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (AWCH) has been reaccredited under the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES), achieving an outstanding overall result of 97%.

This accreditation reflects the strength of our governance, systems, and commitment to continuous improvement. It helps us recognise what we are doing well, and where we can continue to grow and strengthen our impact.

As part of the process, an independent surveyor undertakes a comprehensive review every three years, speaking with staff, Board members, Ward Grandparent Volunteers, Coordinators, and key partners who contribute to our work.

We thank everyone who took part in the review and shared their experiences. This result reflects the collective effort behind supporting children and families in healthcare settings, and we remain committed to ongoing reflection, learning, and improvement.

Here are some things our stakeholders had to say about us…

02/06/2026

Going through some old clippings in the office and stumble upon an AWCH Newsletter from 1981. A very interesting read…

Who would like to hear more from the AWCH archives?

01/06/2026

AWCH is sharing this important update from Children and Young People with Disability Australia regarding the proposed Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026.

With children and young people making up 67% of NDIS participants, these proposed changes could have a significant impact on many young Australians and their families.

Submissions to the Senate Inquiry close today. Read more and find out how to have your say via the CYDA post.

28/05/2026

An important conversation for the youth sector.

We’re sharing this upcoming Youth Sector Meeting hosted by Youth Action, featuring Dean Farquhar from Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), exploring rights-based youth engagement and the opportunities and challenges highlighted in AYAC’s latest report.

🗓 Thursday 4 June
🕙 10am

Follow the link to find out more

Be part of the conversation.

Youth Action is inviting members to our next Youth Sector Meeting on Thursday 4 June at 10am.

In this session, we'll be joined by Dean Farquhar, National Youth Engagement Lead from Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) to discuss Rights Based Youth Engagement off the back of their latest report: A shared understanding of rights-based youth engagement? A conversation starter on challenges and opportunities.

We'd love to see you there!

Register for the Sector Meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5JANDV18QVKo3AmpUZtzjQ #/

Access AYAC's report here: https://ayac.org.au/publications-2

27/05/2026

This National Reconciliation Week, the theme ‘All In’ is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is an active commitment, calling on all of us to listen, learn and take shared responsibility every day.

At AWCH, this commitment is reflected through our
Collaborate & Connect Project, in collaboration with Health Consumers NSW. Together, we are strengthening relationships, deepening understanding, and supporting more inclusive, culturally responsive practice in healthcare settings.

Through collaboration and connection, we’re working towards environments where all children, families and communities feel seen, heard and supported.

Reconciliation is a shared journey, and it continues through everyday action, partnership and respect.

👇Learn more about Collaborate & Connect here:

https://awch.org.au/projects/cc/

26/05/2026

Take a stroll with us through the beautiful grounds of Gladesville hospital, Wallumedegal Country.

It’s a peaceful spot we like to take a walk through at lunch time, and we feel fortunate to have the AWCH office based here.

26/05/2026

National Sorry Day 2026: From Sorry to Action

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-sorry-day-from-sorry-to-action/

25/05/2026

The NSW Office for Youth is developing a new Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030, and there’s still time to have your say.

The consultation is open to children, young people, parents and carers, organisations, and anyone working with children and young people across NSW.

This is an opportunity to help shape the priorities and decisions that will impact children and young people over the next four years.

You can complete the short survey, join a consultation session, or make a written submission via the NSW Office for Youth website:

We’re developing a new Strategic Plan for children and young people. This will be a statewide plan to make NSW a better, fairer place for people aged 0 to 24 years.

17/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across Australia.
Volunteers give their time, compassion and care to support others, creating connection and making a meaningful difference every day.

At AWCH, we are incredibly grateful for the volunteers who support children, young people and families through our Ward Grandparent Program.

Stay tuned this week to learn more about the Ward Grandparent Program and the amazing volunteers and hospital coordinators behind it.

https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nationalvolunteerweek/