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.
A Very Special Ladies Lunch
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of style, connection and heart in support of seriously ill children and their families. Bring your clients, colleagues or your closest friends and celebrate with purpose.
Read some
very special stories
News & events
Adventure Park family day – 2026
SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist for an opportunity to come together and have a fun day at Adventure Park with other children…
How you can support families during the holidays
We've compiled some helpful tips to show how friends and extended family can be there for their loved ones at this busy…
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…
Four ways to spread cheer this Christmas
Four ways you can spread cheer and support Very Special Kids this festive season.
Creating Memories – February 2026
Bereaved parents are invited to attend regular scrapbooking sessions and connect with others.
A very special family celebration
Our end-of-year family day was a chance to wrap up the year with joy and connection, and welcome the festive season in…
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.
Ladybird Care Foundation
Ladybird Care Foundation are partnering with Very Special Kids to ensure no bereaved parent walks their journey alone.
Lord Somers family camp – February 2026
FULLY BOOKED! Join us for a weekend escape with your family in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
Emma’s story
Ashley and Brad reflect on how Very Special Kids supports their daughter Emma, and their whole family unit.
Mooroopna bereaved parent group – March 2026
An opportunity for parents in the Hume region, to come together and reflect on your own grief with other parents and support…
Championing the voices of bereaved siblings
Family support team leader, Meg Chin, is making strides in the field of grief research, helping to support siblings of very special children.
VIP Weekend – March 2026
An inclusive weekend full of exciting and creative activities for adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old registered with Very Special Kids.
The long way to home: Sophia’s story
Zoe and Ken share how their first year with baby Sophia was full of hospital stays and appointments, and how Very Special…
Adolescent sibling day – March 2026
Adolescent siblings are invited to join us at Melbourne Cable Park for an action packed day of fun!
Kara’s story
Susan reflects on the care her daughter Kara received from Very Special Kids, through her treatment and after her death.
South Albury bereaved parent group – March 2026
An opportunity for parents in the Hume region, to come together and reflect on your own grief with other parents and support…
A celebration of forty years
Our 40th Anniversary Gala celebrated our historic milestone, and honoured the people who made this care possible.
A Very Special Ladies Lunch – 2026
A Very Special Ladies Lunch is an unforgettable afternoon of style, connection and heart at Melbourne’s most anticipated charity event — all in…
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…
Albury and Wodonga parent luncheon
An opportunity to get to know other parents in the Hume region at a relaxed lunch.
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.
24-Hour Treadmill Challenge – 2026
Help keep the treadmills moving for 24 hours to enable us to provide 24-hour care!
A Father’s Day reflection
Nigel shares how as a bereaved father, Father's Day is a day of reflection and memories.
