MENU

Holistic palliative care for children and young people

What are you looking for?

Smiling kid

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.

Learn more
Smiling child

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.

Learn more
Smiling child

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 more

Three ways you can help Very Special Kids

Donate

Support kids like Callum, who lives with Sanfilippo syndrome – a rare form of childhood dementia that has no known cure. Your support can help families like Callum’s access respite care and support, making lasting memories together, while they can.

Footy Finals Fever

Love your footy? Join us for a great day out as we celebrate the greatest teams in the AFL. Footy Finals Fever is a highlight of both football and corporate entertainment calendars and is the perfect environment to engage staff and clients in a fun and generous way.

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.

 

Read some
very special stories

News & events

Event

Albury and Wodonga parent luncheon

An opportunity to get to know other parents in the Hume region at a relaxed lunch.  

News

Youth Advisory Group take home the win

Celebrating the Youth Advisory Group's 7NEWS Young Achiever Award

Event

Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – May 2025

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

News

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,…

Event

24-Hour Treadmill Challenge

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

News

A nurse’s 20-year milestone at Very Special Kids

Celebrating Rita's 20 years as a nurse at Very Special Kids

Event

South East Walking Group – Mount Martha

Join for a gentle 45-minute to one-hour long walk, followed by coffee and connection.

News

Chelsea’s story

Very special mum Danni, reflects on how their family honour her daughter Chelsea's memory.

Event

Online Bereaved Parent Support Group – June 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

The impact of community giving

Members of our community are finding new and creative ways to fundraise for Very Special Kids.

Event

Bereaved Parent Weekend – June 2025

This is a therapeutic weekend for parents to spend time remembering their child, sharing memories, joy and sadness with other parents supported…

News

A Very Special Ladies Lunch on the Yarra

It was a Very Special Ladies Lunch on Friday 14 March, raising $92,000 for children and families supported by Very Special Kids.

Event

Creating Memories – June 2025

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

News

Honouring Sister Margaret’s legacy on International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, we pay special tribute to our first employee and patron, the late Sister Margaret Noone IBVM AM, who…

Event

Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – June 2025

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

News

Remembering our Life Governors

We remember two Very Special Kids Life Governors, David Jones AO OBE KStJ and Glen Bowes AO, who have died in recent…

Event

Malvern sibling day – July 2025

A fun and therapeutic program designed to help siblings connect with other young people supported by Very Special Kids.

News

A very special bond between sisters

Liz shares how being a part of our Youth Advisory Group has helped channel her grief into meaningful action.

Event

Online Bereaved Parent Support Group – July 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

Emma’s story

Ashley and Brad reflect on how Very Special Kids supports their daughter Emma, and their whole family unit.

Event

Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – July 2025

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

News

Heartfelt’s camera project

We are incredibly grateful to the Old Carey Grammarians Association for donating a camera through the Heartfelt Camera Project.

Event

Footy Finals Fever

Join us for a great day out as we celebrate the greatest teams in Australian Rules Football.

News

Top tips from a superstar fundraiser

Star fundraiser Matt shares his key tips to help anyone shift their fundraising into gear.