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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.

Celebrate

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

From beautiful trees to sparkling lights and joyful carols, there are many ways you and your family can support Very Special Kids this festive season.

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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News & events

Event

Adventure Park family day

A great opportunity to come together and have fun with other children and families supported by Very Special Kids!

News

A wonderful end-of-year family celebration

On Saturday 23 November, Very Special Kids hosted a memorable end-of-year family day for the children, young people and families in our care.

Event

Gumbuya World family day

A great opportunity to come together and have fun with other children and families supported by Very Special Kids!

News

Nishan’s story

Sam and Bhupinder share what Nishan's diagnosis means to their family at Christmas time.

Event

Creating Memories – February 2025

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

News

A very merry festive season

The festive season is just around the corner and our very special community is hosting an array of festive fundraising activities! Here…

Event

Very Special Ride

Go the distance for seriously sick kids in our inaugural road cycling event on Friday 28 February.

News

Reflecting on ‘A Walk to Remember’

Hear from very special mum, Kath, about how her family honours Lucie's memory.

Event

Lord Somers family camp

Join us for a weekend escape with your family in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

News

A Mittagundi off-grid adventure

Some very special siblings ventured off grid for a five-day camping experience at Mittagundi in Glen Valley.

News

Alfie’s story

Tim and Kristiarne share how Very Special Kids helps their family, after three-year-old Alfie was born with global brain damage.

News

Meet Dr Katie Moore

Dr Katie Moore, the chief medical officer at Very Special Kids, shares some background on her medical career and training.

News

Something very special is coming!

Join us on Tuesday 10 September for A Very Special Day.

News

Remembering Ted

In memory of Ted, bereaved father Antony shares his journey with Very Special Kids.

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Tae Yoon’s story

Seol reflects on her family's time in our Balam Balam suite, following the death of her son Tae Yoon.

News

We’ve got a ‘Footy Fever’

This year's Footy Fever lunch celebrated the greatest football rivalry in over 100 years of AFL/VFL history, Carlton v Collingwood.

News

All about our magic carpet

Very Special Kids' Mobile Magic Carpet sparks joy, imagination and movement for children of all ages and varied abilities.

Close up image of a young boy lying on his side. Text reads: This Christmas a child with a life-limiting illness needs you Donate now