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Holistic palliative care for children and young people

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About us

Very Special Kids provides holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions as well as tailored support for their families – through life, death and bereavement. 
We support families across Victoria at Very Special Kids House, home to the state’s only children’s hospice.

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Counselling

We provide counselling and emotional support for each family member to help them through their journey with a life-limiting childhood illness.

At Very Special Kids we have a highly skilled team of professionals including social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists, family therapists and play therapists to provide tailored support.

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Clinical support

Our hospice at Very Special Kids House offers children and young people respite in a home away from home, surrounded by the very best care from our doctors, nurses, carers and trained volunteers. And if the time comes, we provide palliative care at the end of a child’s life to make their last days as special and comfortable as can be.

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Three ways you can help Very Special Kids

Donate

Your support can make a difference in the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Every donation to Very Special Kids helps us provide essential support services, including counselling, clinical care and respite care, to families in need.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. At Very Special Kids, we rely on the support of our dedicated volunteers to help us provide essential services and support to families in need.

Fundraise

Fundraising is a great way to support Very Special Kids and help us provide essential services and support to families of children with life-limiting illnesses. Whether you are an individual, a community group or a business, there are many ways you can get involved and make a difference.

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News & events

Event

Online Bereaved Parent Support Group – November 2025

The evening provides an opportunity for parents state-wide, or even interstate, to come together in a virtual space from the comfort of…

News

Championing the voices of bereaved siblings

Family support team leader, Meg Chin, is making strides in the field of grief research, helping to support siblings of very special children.  

Event

End-of-year family day

Join our annual end-of-year family day for an afternoon of fun and festive activities.

News

The long way to home: Sophia’s story

Zoe and Ken share how their first year with baby Sophia was full of hospital stays and appointments, and how Very Special…

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Creating Memories – December 2025

Bereaved parents are invited to attend regular scrapbooking sessions facilitated by coordinator Gerry Silk.

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Kara’s story

Susan reflects on the care her daughter Kara received from Very Special Kids, through her treatment and after her death.

Event

Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – December 2025

We invite all 5 to 12 year old bereaved siblings to drop into our zoom session each month.

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A celebration of forty years

Our 40th Anniversary Gala celebrated our historic milestone, and honoured the people who made this care possible.

Event

Officer end-of-year family picnic

Join us for a family picnic, this is a great chance to mingle with locally based families, staff and connect with Very…

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Skye’s story

Skye is one of less than 100 children in Australia living with Sanfilippo syndrome. Her dad Mark shares how Very Special Kids…

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Adventure Park family day – 2026

A great opportunity to come together and have a fun day at Adventure Park with other children and families supported by Very…

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Footy Finals Fever kicks some serious goals

Our very special community celebrated Footy Finals Fever, raising incredible funds for the children and families in our care.

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Gumbuya World family day – 2026

A great opportunity to come together and have a fun day at Gumbuya World with other children and families supported by Very…

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A Father’s Day reflection

Nigel shares how as a bereaved father, Father's Day is a day of reflection and memories.

Event

Very Special Ride – 2026

Go the distance for seriously sick kids as the Very Special Ride heads to the Yarra Valley on Friday 27 February.

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The most special day of the year is back!

Join us on Tuesday 16 September, for A Very Special Day! All donations will be matched, doubling your impact.

Event

24-Hour Treadmill Challenge – 2026

Help keep the treadmills moving for 24 hours to enable us to provide 24-hour care!

News

Henry’s story

Henry lived with complex medical needs from infancy. His mum Jess, shares the invaluable support their family has received, and how she…

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Jack’s story

For almost two decades, Jack was frequent guest at Very Special Kids House. His mum Lisa shares how their connection with Very…

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Chris’ story

In Very Special Kids' early years, Chris and his family received support as they faced the unimaginable. Chris' mum Leah shares their…

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The different shades of goodbye

End-of-life care at Very Special Kids is tailored to every child and family. Read how we support families when the unimaginable happens.