Holistic palliative care for children and young people
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- A family/individual who needs help
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- Learn about counselling & emotional support services
- Learn about support for siblings
- Learn about our hospice and accommodation
- Get in touch with Very Special Kids
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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.
Learn moreThree ways you can help Very Special Kids
Very Special Ride
Join us for a two-day road cycling challenge in October, riding through the rolling hills of the picturesque Gippsland region.
There are only 50 places available to join the inaugural ride, raising more than a sweat for the children, young people and families in our care.
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
Pakenham Bowls Day
Join us for a very special day of lawn bowls, drumming fun, face painting and a free BBQ lunch!
Something very special is coming!
Join us on Tuesday 10 September for A Very Special Day.
Malvern sibling day
A fun and therapeutic program designed to help siblings connect with other young people supported by Very Special Kids.
Remembering Ted
In memory of Ted, bereaved father Antony shares his journey with Very Special Kids.
Northern sibling day
Join us in Epping for a fun and therapeutic program designed to help siblings connect with other young people supported by Very…
Tae Yoon’s story
Seol reflects on her family's time in our Balam Balam suite, following the death of her son Tae Yoon.
Adolescent sibling day
Explore your creativity while connecting with other Very Special Kids siblings.
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.
Lord Somers family camp
Join us for a weekend escape with your family in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
All about our magic carpet
Very Special Kids' Mobile Magic Carpet sparks joy, imagination and movement for children of all ages and varied abilities.
Online Bereaved Parent Support Group
The evening provides an opportunity for parents state-wide, or even interstate, to come together in a virtual space from the comfort of…
Stepping up to the treadmill for 24-hour care
On Friday 24 to Saturday 25 May, our very special community stepped up to the treadmills to take on 24 hours of…
Creating Memories
Bereaved parents are invited to attend regular scrapbooking sessions facilitated by coordinator Gerry Silk.
Notes of appreciation for our volunteers
Celebrating our very special volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week!
Very Special Ride
Go the distance for seriously sick kids in our inaugural road cycling event on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October.
‘It’s not all sadness’: How to cope when a child enters palliative care
Two very special mums, Mel and Kat, share their experience with paediatric palliative care and how Very Special Kids supports them and…
Wodonga parent luncheon
An opportunity to get to know other parents in the Hume region at a relaxed lunch.
Marley’s story
Meet eight-year-old Marley, a regular guest at Very Special Kids House.
Walk to Remember
An opportunity for families to come together to remember and celebrate their child's life.
Cara takes on the 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge
Meet nine-year-old Cara, who is taking on the 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge for the fifth year, raising funds for sick children.
Our Space – online bereaved sibling group
We invite all 5 to 12 year old bereaved siblings to drop into our zoom session each month.
The vital role of a nurse at Very Special Kids House
Meet some of our incredible nurses, who care for children at Very Special Kids House
Western Port Model Aircraft Club family day
Join us at Westernport Model Aircraft Club at their picturesque flying field for a day of fun!
The history of Bereaved Mother’s Day
Three very special mums shared their thoughts and feelings on how difficult this time of year can be.