Introduction: This paper explores an aspect of the process and outcomes of two children's reference groups: the ways the young members of the reference groups consider the role of the arts in research concerning wellbeing.Methods: Two case studies draw on qualitative data from the projects offering insight into child reference group work over the life of a research project: from recommendations to implementation.Results: The findings demonstrate that both reference groups enabled the research to achieve a fuller engagement with meaning making in relation to data collection by consulting with children.Conclusion: The data reveal how the members offered "insider knowledge" to the researchers concerning the role of the arts in research concerning wellbeing. Themes within the analysis about the impact of the reference group's knowledge and recommendations on the research project's data collection methods include the role of the arts connected to empathy, safety and confidentiality and in relation to difference and choice.The Research in England was supported by the LankellyChase Foundation.
Keywords: Reference groups; arts and wellbeing; child participation.