Practical tools to include families with young children, building better homes and communities for all
What is
Family Voices?
Family Voices is a simple toolkit designed to help you effectively involve parents and carers with children aged 5 and under in the planning, design and management of family housing.
"Community engagement for a group that is easily ignored."
Arushi Khandelwal, PATRIZIA SE
Why is it important?
22%
9%
children under 6 and their caregivers
children under 6
The parents, carers and their young children are key stakeholders in family housing. But despite being around 22% of the population* their needs are routinely overlooked.
Why is it important to hear from them about their needs?
Future social sustainability relies on a good start in life for every child
Their every-day routines are impacted by designs and other decisions being made by stakeholders in the housing system
Involving families of very young children can have a positive impact on both processes and social outcomes
*UN statistics show that 8.6% of the population are children under 6.
"Having tested the concept, we are clear that The Family Voices Toolkit will be a critical tool to help us meaningfully engage with young local families and ensure our plans for Earls Court work for them."
Rebekah Paczek, Earls Court Development Company
Impact
Box ticking engagement does not have a positive, lasting impact.
Impact is at the heart of the Family Voices Toolkit. By bringing caregivers together to discuss their needs and challenges, new social connections are formed and new ideas are developed. The depth of these conversations can help guide more informed actions by key stakeholders.
The website shows you how to gather, track and measure impact which can be integrated into your social value or ESG frameworks. The process of developing it has been impactful in itself. Read more about the pilot projects with Van Leer's partners and their teams; Bridges Fund Management & HUB, PATRIZIA and Jonathan Rose as well as the Earls Court Development Company.
"It is so important for families with young children to feel heard. To feel that their voices are valued and matter.
Dawn Mottram, Jonathan Rose Companies
Who is Family Voices for?
Family Voices is aimed at developers, designers, policy makers, housing providers and engagement facilitators. It can also be used by asset owners and asset managers who invest in housing developments and are interested in strengthening the social impact of their developments,
It is useful for policy making, co-design and housing management and can be used on its own, or integrated into your existing consultation work. There are five sessions to choose from on the toolkit page. Choose from the sessions, to suit what is best for your project, team or organisation.
How does it work?
The toolkit makes it as easy as possible for you to start engaging with parents and carers of young children, including plenty of advice about getting ready for your first session. You can follow each session step by step, or you can take what you need into your existing engagement programme.
Watch this video below to find out more.
Film credit: Milo Cumpstey - Speedwagon Productions
What will it achieve?
Van Leer Foundation and ZCD Architects have worked closely to develop this toolkit with the partners. The aim is for this tool to ultimately serve a broader community of global actors that are involved in the design, planning and management of social & affordable housing in cities. Watch this space for how to get involved in the learning process.
Van Leer Foundation is committed to making communities better for young children around the world. You can read more about the Van Leer Foundation here.
ZCD Architects have planned and facilitated the process. ZCD are experts in child friendly design and intergenerational engagement.
"The Family Voices toolkit is an important addition to the industry. Placing people at the heart of the design and building of homes is core to what we do, and vital to creating lasting positive impact."
Ivan Rodriguez, Bridges Fund Management
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