RECENT ACTIVITIES!
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Very Special Kids Family Days in November / December
| Over 570 parents, children, staff and volunteers were a part of the recent family days in Malvern, Shepparton and Ballarat.
| “We just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had. Terrific day. Great people there. Had a really good time. My daughter just had a ball. So thank you very much. We really enjoyed it.” Phil, father of Madison captures the Malvern family day.
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A fabulous Teddy Bear's picnic was held in Shepparton for families in the Hume region and the family Christmas party in Malvern included a jumping castle, a pet farm, games, craft activities, entertainment and a visit from Santa!
| Layla (right) had a ball having her face painted at the Ballarat family day where Santa visited in a beautifully restored vintage vehicle.
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ACTIVITIES HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
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Mothers’ Group
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As a result of feedback from the Very Special Kids’ Parent Forum held in April 2002, a Mothers’ Group Pilot Program was initiated in May 2002. It was hoped that the opportunity to meet other mothers in an informal environment would be both supportive and enjoyable. Due to the success of the Pilot Program, Mothers’ Group has been offered by the Family Support Team as a Very Special Kids program since August 2002.
While such groups are offered elsewhere in the community, the Mothers’ Group at Very Special Kids is unique in that it is offered to mothers who share the common experience of caring for a child with a life-threatening illness. The group meets for two hours once every six weeks at the Malvern Office of Very Special Kids. Child minding is available.
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Fathers’ Activity Days
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Introduced in 2002, these are days when dads can get together and take part in a recreational activity. Very Special Kids’ Dads’ Day is open to all fathers registered with Very Special Kids. The Fathers’ Activity Days aim to provide fathers with a friendly, enjoyable and relaxing day away from routine pressures and create an environment in which they can share experiences of having a child who is seriously ill or who has died.
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Family Weekend Camps
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Very Special Kids offers two camps each year, which are organised and hosted by Lord Somers Powerhouse at their Somers facilities on Western Port Bay, usually on the third weekend in February and the first weekend in October. The camps are an opportunity for parents and children to be together in a relaxing atmosphere and enjoy the numerous activities prepared by Lord Somers Powerhouse’ volunteers. These weekends are full of fun with surprise visitors, motor bike rides and plenty of games. Massages and opportunities for some ‘time out’ are also offered to parents whilst volunteers keep their children entertained. All meals are provided and there is bunk-style accommodation in individual family rooms at no cost for families. Somers on Western Port Bay has a safe beach only a few minutes stroll from camp.
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Family Fun Days
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Family activity days are held throughout the year. Families are notified in advance by mail or in the regular newsletter.
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Networking
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Very Special Kids has implemented a networking service that allows parents to meet or talk with other parents who have a child with the same or similar illness. Interested families can request this service from a member of the Family Support Team.
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Parent Evenings
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Parent Evenings offer both bereaved and non-bereaved parents the opportunity to network with each other and to share information and experiences with each other. Through the provision of a guest speaker, the parents are afforded the opportunity to engage in not only an educative and informative session but to have their experiences normalised and validated.
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