Holistic palliative care for children and young people
What are you looking for?
- A family/individual who needs help
- Looking to donate
- Looking to volunteer
- Looking to support Very Special Kids
- Looking for a career opportunity
- A media professional
- A healthcare professional
- Understand what Very Special Kids does
- Learn about counselling & emotional support services
- Learn about support for siblings
- Learn about our hospice and accommodation
- Get in touch with Very Special Kids
- Donate
- Donate monthly
- Learn how donations are used
- Volunteer
- Make a donation
- Fundraise for Very Special Kids
- Explore a corporate partnership
- Attend an event
- Get in touch with Very Special Kids
- Leave a gift in my Will
- Understand more about the organisation
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- Get some information for a story
- Understand what Very Special Kids does
- Make a referral to Very Special Kids
- Get in touch with Very Special Kids
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.
Learn moreThree 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.
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very special stories
News & events
Online sibling craft session – October 2025
We invite very special siblings to join us for an online craft evening.
A celebration of forty years
Our 40th Anniversary Gala celebrated our historic milestone, and honoured the people who made this care possible.
Creating Memories – October 2025
Bereaved parents are invited to attend regular scrapbooking sessions facilitated by coordinator Gerry Silk.
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…
Walk to Remember
An opportunity for families to come together to remember and celebrate their child's life.
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.
Online Bereaved Parent Support Group – October 2025
The evening provides an opportunity for parents state-wide, or even interstate, to come together in a virtual space from the comfort of…
A Father’s Day reflection
Nigel shares how as a bereaved father, Father's Day is a day of reflection and memories.
A Very Special Golf Day – Capital Golf Club
Join former pro golfer Mark Allen for a day on the greens at the prestigious, invitation-only Capital Golf Club.
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.
Pakenham Bowls Day – October 2025
Join us for a very special day of lawn bowls and family fun!
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…
Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – October 2025
We invite all 5 to 12 year old bereaved siblings to drop into our zoom session each month.
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…
Adolescent sibling day – November
Adolescent siblings are invited to join us for an end of year celebration like no other.
Chris’ story
In Very Special Kids' early years, Chris and his family received support as they faced the unimaginable. Chris' mum Leah shares their…
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…
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.
End-of-year family day
Join our annual end-of-year family day for an afternoon of fun and festive activities.
100 miles for Jordy
Dillon took on a gruelling 100-mile ultra marathon, in memory of his nephew, Jordan.
Creating Memories – December 2025
Bereaved parents are invited to attend regular scrapbooking sessions facilitated by coordinator Gerry Silk.
Youth Advisory Group take home the win
Celebrating the Youth Advisory Group's 7NEWS Young Achiever Award
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.
Callum’s story
Callum lives with Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare form of childhood dementia, with support from Very Special Kids for him and his mum,…
