Co-design with families and communities

Working in genuine partnership

For more than a decade, Plumtree has worked in partnership with families and communities to design programs, resources and approaches that reflect real family experiences and needs. 

At Plumtree, co-design is an ongoing partnership with families and communities. Families and trained parent peer leaders contribute their lived experience, ideas and leadership to shape supports that are practical, culturally responsive and grounded in everyday life. 

This approach strengthens trust, improves relevance and supports better outcomes for children and families. It is informed by ongoing evaluation, research partnerships and continuous learning with families over time. 

What authentic co-design means at Plumtree 

Our approach to co-design is based on shared decision-making and respect for family expertise. Families are partners, contributors and leaders in shaping programs and supports. 

A distinctive feature of Plumtree’s work is the involvement of trained parent peer workers. Parents with lived experience are supported and trained to take on facilitation and leadership roles, contributing to program design, delivery and continuous improvement. 

We focus on: 

  • Working alongside families from the earliest stages of design 
  • Valuing lived experience alongside professional expertise 
  • Involving trained parent peer workers in design, delivery and leadership 
  • Creating culturally responsive and inclusive processes 
  • Testing and refining ideas with families over time 

This work is grounded in lived experience and evidence-informed practice developed through many years of collaboration with families. Plumtree also contributes to research and evaluation that strengthens the evidence base for family-centred and co-designed approaches in early childhood intervention. 

Co-designed innovations

Many of Plumtree’s key programs and initiatives have been developed and refined through co-design with families and are supported by evaluation and research partnerships. 

Now & Next

A strengths‑based program co‑designed with parents to support goal setting, wellbeing and positive family outcomes. The program has been evaluated over time and continues to be strengthened through research partnerships, including a randomised controlled trial.

Pictability

A visual planning approach co‑designed with families to build shared understanding and increase meaningful parent participation in planning, supporting parents to work toward goals for their child and family in clear, collaborative and practical ways.

Parent peer workforce 

Plumtree has pioneered the training and integration of parent peer workers within early childhood intervention, recognising the importance of lived experience alongside professional expertise and strengthening how families are supported through connection, guidance and shared understanding.

Community & me

Co‑designed with families to strengthen children’s participation and connection in community settings through practical, inclusive opportunities that build belonging, confidence and relationships, supporting families to feel welcomed, capable and engaged in everyday environments.

Libraries as Community Connectors

Developed with families, parent peer workers, library staff and community partners to create welcoming, inclusive local spaces where families can connect, participate, access support and build relationships that strengthen community belonging and confidence.

Parent peer leadership initiatives

Co‑designed with families to strengthen family leadership, build confidence and promote more equal partnerships with professionals, supporting parents to share their expertise, influence decision‑making and contribute to more collaborative, inclusive approaches.

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