Holistic palliative care for children and young people
What are you looking for?
- A family/individual who needs help
- Looking to donate
- Looking to volunteer
- Looking to support Very Special Kids
- Looking for a career opportunity
- A media professional
- A healthcare professional
- Understand what Very Special Kids does
- Learn about counselling & emotional support services
- Learn about support for siblings
- Learn about our hospice and accommodation
- Get in touch with Very Special Kids
- Donate
- Donate monthly
- Learn how donations are used
- Volunteer
- Make a donation
- Fundraise for Very Special Kids
- Explore a corporate partnership
- Attend an event
- Get in touch with Very Special Kids
- Leave a gift in my Will
- Understand more about the organisation
- Find a job at Very Special Kids
- Get some information for a story
- Understand what Very Special Kids does
- Make a referral to Very Special Kids
- Get in touch with Very Special Kids
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
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.
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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very special stories
News & events
Adolescent sibling day – November
Adolescent siblings are invited to join us for an end of year celebration like no other.
Kara’s story
Susan reflects on the care her daughter Kara received from Very Special Kids, through her treatment and after her death.
Online sibling craft session – November 2025
We invite very special siblings to join us for an online craft evening.
A celebration of forty years
Our 40th Anniversary Gala celebrated our historic milestone, and honoured the people who made this care possible.
Online Bereaved Parent Support Group – November 2025
The evening provides an opportunity for parents state-wide, or even interstate, to come together in a virtual space from the comfort of…
Skye’s story
Skye is one of less than 100 children in Australia living with Sanfilippo syndrome. Her dad Mark shares how Very Special Kids…
End-of-year family day
Join our annual end-of-year family day for an afternoon of fun and festive activities.
Footy Finals Fever kicks some serious goals
Our very special community celebrated Footy Finals Fever, raising incredible funds for the children and families in our care.
Creating Memories – December 2025
Bereaved parents are invited to attend regular scrapbooking sessions facilitated by coordinator Gerry Silk.
A Father’s Day reflection
Nigel shares how as a bereaved father, Father's Day is a day of reflection and memories.
Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – December 2025
We invite all 5 to 12 year old bereaved siblings to drop into our zoom session each month.
The most special day of the year is back!
Join us on Tuesday 16 September, for A Very Special Day! All donations will be matched, doubling your impact.
Officer end-of-year family picnic
Join us for a family picnic, this is a great chance to mingle with locally based families, staff and connect with Very…
Henry’s story
Henry lived with complex medical needs from infancy. His mum Jess, shares the invaluable support their family has received, and how she…
Adventure Park family day – 2026
A great opportunity to come together and have a fun day at Adventure Park with other children and families supported by Very…
Jack’s story
For almost two decades, Jack was frequent guest at Very Special Kids House. His mum Lisa shares how their connection with Very…
Gumbuya World family day – 2026
A great opportunity to come together and have a fun day at Gumbuya World with other children and families supported by Very…
Chris’ story
In Very Special Kids' early years, Chris and his family received support as they faced the unimaginable. Chris' mum Leah shares their…
Very Special Ride – 2026
Go the distance for seriously sick kids as the Very Special Ride heads to the Yarra Valley on Friday 27 February.
The different shades of goodbye
End-of-life care at Very Special Kids is tailored to every child and family. Read how we support families when the unimaginable happens.
24-Hour Treadmill Challenge – 2026
Help keep the treadmills moving for 24 hours to enable us to provide 24-hour care!
100 miles for Jordy
Dillon took on a gruelling 100-mile ultra marathon, in memory of his nephew, Jordan.
Youth Advisory Group take home the win
Celebrating the Youth Advisory Group's 7NEWS Young Achiever Award
