Very Special Kids’ physiotherapist Belinda Luther has received a 2020 Churchill Fellowship to further explore physiotherapy in a children’s hospice by visiting the UK and Ireland next year.There are only 112 recipients nationally and, when travel restrictions change, Beli... Read More

Since the introduction of Stage 4 restrictions across metropolitan Melbourne, and also the regional Mitchell Shire, we had to review the way we delivered our services.As an essential service, we did not close the hospice, apart from a short closure in March, but we have only... Read More

Mandy Lobley remembers fundraising to fill pink pigs at school, but little did she know the fond memories she had of ‘the pig charity’ would later become such a big part of her life.In conjunction with her role as carer in the hospice Mandy is studying genetic counselli... Read More

Dying To Know Day (8 August) is an annual day of action dedicated to activating conversations and community actions around death, dying and bereavement.Very Special Kids is using this day as an opportunity to open up the discussion of how we, as a society of many cultures, fa... Read More

By Shari Manley, Child Life TherapistDuring times of isolation when we are physically distant from family and friends there is nothing more comforting than a smile and warm welcome from a familiar face. Pip and Shari know first-hand the positive impact of seeing a friend and ... Read More

Dr Bronwyn Sacks is Chief Medical Officer at Very Special Kids and Paediatric Palliative Care Specialist - Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program- based at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital.Here she explains more about her role at Very Sp... Read More

Meet Sue Kearney, registered paediatric nurse, a paediatric palliative care specialist and our Hospice Manager. Sue leads a team of nurses, care workers, and allied health staff within our hospice in Malvern.She’s had an incredible career in paediatric palliative care in th... Read More

How long have you worked at Very Special Kids?I’ve been employed at Very Special Kids with the Family Support Team since May 2008 – 12 years.How would you describe your role?My role within the Family Support Team as a Regional Pra... Read More

“Aiden never uttered a word in his life, but if he could he would have said, I love you and thank you.”I’ll hold onto these words for the rest of my life.The best man at our wedding shared these words at our son Aiden’s funeral. To this day I still find peace and ... Read More

I’ve only worked at Very Special Kids since November 2019 but it very quickly felt like my second home. My role is pretty much what you would think when you hear “personal care worker”, but I emphasise the role of caring. Whilst the physical care needs are important, so too... Read More