sibling support

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Very Special Kids developed its Sibling Support Program in direct response to the request of families who participated in an organisational wide survey in 1996.

Families recognised and identified the impact that living with a child with a life-threatening illness has on ALL members of the family.

The aim of Very Special Kids’ Sibling Support Program is to provide a supportive and safe environment where siblings can choose to give voice to their feelings. A therapeutic framework allows children to not only explore their emotions, but also enhances self-esteem, encourages peer support and reduces the sense of isolation often felt.

Now, fourteen years later, Very Special Kids is pleased to offer a comprehensive Sibling Support Program that consists of Sibling Days, Bereaved Sibling Days, a Bereaved Sibling Sleepover, Adolescent Days, Adolescent Weekends, individual counselling and newsletters.

These activity-based programs offer participants the opportunity for therapeutic group work rather than group therapy. Activities are a combination of indoor and outdoor, quiet and energetic, done individually, in small facilitated groups or as part of a larger group. They are designed to promote team work and/or individual accomplishment. The contribution, energy and imagination of volunteers and staff provide a fundamental framework with FOOD and FUN being integral to the success of these days.

Click here to download a Sibling Support Programs Brochure