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Holistic palliative care for children and young people

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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.

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Three 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.

Footy Finals Fever

Love your footy? Join us for a great day out as we celebrate the greatest teams in the AFL. Footy Finals Fever is a highlight of both football and corporate entertainment calendars and is the perfect environment to engage staff and clients in a fun and generous way.

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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News & events

Event

Lord Somers family camp – September 2025

FULLY BOOKED! Join us for a weekend escape with your family in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

News

A Father’s Day reflection

Nigel shares how as a bereaved father, Father's Day is a day of reflection and memories.

Event

A Very Special Day 2025

Join us on Tuesday 16 September for A Very Special Day! All donations will be matched, doubling your impact.

News

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.

Event

Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – September 2025

We invite all 5 to 12 year old bereaved siblings to drop into our zoom session each month.

News

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…

Event

Malvern sibling day – September 2025

A fun and therapeutic program designed to help siblings connect with other young people supported by Very Special Kids.

News

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…

Event

Online sibling craft session – October 2025

We invite very special siblings to join us for an online craft evening.

News

Chris’ story

In Very Special Kids' early years, Chris and his family received support as they faced the unimaginable. Chris' mum Leah shares their…

Event

Gather to Give

Amphora are hosting an exclusive one-night-only evening filled with fine food, live music and all proceeds going to Very Special Kids.

News

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.

Event

Creating Memories – October 2025

Bereaved parents are invited to attend regular scrapbooking sessions facilitated by coordinator Gerry Silk.

News

100 miles for Jordy

Dillon took on a gruelling 100-mile ultra marathon, in memory of his nephew, Jordan.

Event

Walk to Remember

An opportunity for families to come together to remember and celebrate their child's life.

News

Youth Advisory Group take home the win

Celebrating the Youth Advisory Group's 7NEWS Young Achiever Award

Event

Online Bereaved Parent Support Group – October 2025

The evening provides an opportunity for parents state-wide, or even interstate, to come together in a virtual space from the comfort of…

News

Callum’s story

Callum lives with Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare form of childhood dementia, with support from Very Special Kids for him and his mum,…

Event

A Very Special Golf Day – Capital Golf Club

Join former pro golfer Mark Allen for a day on the greens at the  prestigious, invitation-only Capital Golf Club.

News

A nurse’s 20-year milestone at Very Special Kids

Celebrating Rita's 20 years as a nurse at Very Special Kids

Event

Pakenham Bowls Day – October 2025

Join us for a very special day of lawn bowls and family fun!

News

Chelsea’s story

Very special mum Danni, reflects on how their family honour her daughter Chelsea's memory.

Event

Our Space – online bereaved sibling group – October 2025

We invite all 5 to 12 year old bereaved siblings to drop into our zoom session each month.

News

The impact of community giving

Members of our community are finding new and creative ways to fundraise for Very Special Kids.