Very Special Kids

Introduction

Very Special Kids is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions in Victoria. It supports these individuals and their families through life, death, and bereavement, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach that addresses physical, mental, and emotional needs.

History and Mission

The organization was inspired by the vision of its patron and first employee, Sister Margaret Noone, who sought to replicate the model of dedicated children's hospices she observed in the United Kingdom. Very Special Kids House, located in Victoria, is Australia's first children's hospice and remains the only one in the state. The mission is built around ensuring that all children with life-limiting conditions have access to high-quality care and support, focusing on improving their quality of life regardless of the duration of their life.

Services Provided

Very Special Kids offers a comprehensive range of services:

• Hospice Respite Care: Very Special Kids House provides a "home away from home" setting where children can receive respite care.
• Allied Health: The organization employs skilled professionals to address various health needs.
• End-of-Life Care: Specialized palliative care is offered to ensure comfort during a child's final days.
• After Death Care: Support continues beyond bereavement, acknowledging the ongoing needs of families.
• Family Counselling: Emotional support is provided through skilled therapists.
• Bereavement Support: Assistance is offered to help families cope with loss.
• Peer Support: Opportunities for families to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Funding and Community Support

As a predominantly self-funded charity, Very Special Kids relies heavily on community generosity and partnerships to deliver its services. Donations and fundraising events play a crucial role in sustaining the organization's operations.

Impact

Very Special Kids supports approximately 850 families across Victoria, offering them ongoing support from diagnosis through to recovery or bereavement. The organization's efforts are complimented by the work of various societies, such as the Very Special Kids Society at the University of Melbourne, which helps spread awareness and support for the charity's mission.

Values

The organization values diversity and inclusivity, recognizing and respecting the unique backgrounds of the families it serves, including differences in culture, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and more. This approach ensures that all families receive tailored support that is sensitive to their individual needs.

Position in Australia

Very Special Kids holds a pioneering position in Australia's pediatric palliative care sector, with its hospice being a landmark institution for children with life-limiting conditions.

[1] https://vsk.org.au [2] https://vsk.org.au/who-we-are/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d440b10f-2caf-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/profile [4] https://vsk.org.au/what-we-do/ [5] https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/buddy-up/clubs/clubs-listing/join/7701/