Q&A with Family Support Worker Mei Goh

May 12, 2015

In the lead up to the 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge from 22 to 23 May we interviewed Family Support Worker, Mei Goh about her work with Very Special Kids families and why the challenge is so important

Q: What do you do in your role at Very Special Kids?
A: I work directly with the children, parents and siblings. I have a multi-faceted role. Depending on the family’s needs, I provide a range of support services including formal and informal counselling to bereaved and non-bereaved families. Sometimes we do case managing and advocacy for some of our families who don’t have a Case Manager to support them. I also facilitate various group programs throughout the year for families and train new volunteers.

Q: What difference does the Hospice make to the lives of the families you support?
A: A mother said “Mei, I do not know what I would do without Very Special Kids for respite. My boys have nowhere else they can go” and this stayed with me since. It is heartbreaking to know there are no other options, but I am extremely grateful Very Special Kids Hospice is available for Victorian families who need it. Another family came in for end of life care and we had the whole extended family move into the parent accommodation which gave the family time together at the end of their child’s life. Without the space and the specialty of the hospice service and staff, this family would have nowhere else to turn to.

Q: What inspires you to work at Very Special Kids?
A: I grew up overseas and went through childhood cancer myself which has made me realise that Very Special kids is such a unique organisation. My family did not have support when we were going through difficult times. It is a great honour to be able to walk alongside these families through such hard times. The families I work with are my source of inspiration.

Q: Why should people fundraise to support the Hospice?
A: The children and their families really need the respite. For a $1,000 a night, parents can get a good night sleep and siblings are able to spend quality time with their parents while the child receives respite with Very Special Kids.

Q: Do you have anything you’d like to say to the participants in the 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge?
A: Keep doing the amazing job you’re doing and keep believing that you are making a difference to the lives of the families. Every little contribution helps in a big way. The smiles we witness from the families are worth all your hard work, training and every penny raised.

From 22 to 23 May more than 1,000 participants ran in the 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge to raise funds for children in 24 hour care at Very Special Kids Hospice. To sponsor a runner visit vsktreadmill.org.au.

Or make a general donation to the Very Special Kids Hospice Appeal.