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

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.

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.

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

Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – March 2025

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

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

Western Port Model Aircraft Club family day

Join us at Westernport Model Aircraft Club at their picturesque flying field for a day of fun!

News

John rides for Max, and Very Special Kids

John shares how  fundraising and cycling 120 kilometres from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula is his way of saying thanks to Very…

Event

Malvern sibling day – April 2025

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

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

Adolescent sibling weekend – April 2025

Join us for a weekend of activities at the Forest Edge campsite in Neerim.

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

South East Walking Group – Berwick

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

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 – May 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

Meet our commercial cook Lucy

Meet our new commercial cook, Lucy, who creates home-cooked meals tailored to each child's dietary, medical and cultural needs. 

Event

Creating Memories – May 2025

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

News

Emma’s story

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

Event

24-Hour Treadmill Challenge

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

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

South East Walking Group – Mount Martha

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

News

Top tips from a superstar fundraiser

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

News

In loving memory of Sister Margaret Noone

It is with great sadness that we share the death of our first employee and patron Sister Margaret Noone IBVM AM at…

News

A very special 2024

As we prepare to step into a new year, we invite you to reflect on some key moments from 2024.

News

How you can support families during the holidays

We've compiled some helpful tips to show how friends and extended family can be there for their loved ones at this busy…