Description: |
Very Special Kids provides counselling and support services to families caring for a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Following the death of a child families are supported through the bereavement support program.
A range of innovative programs and activities are offered for siblings including Sibling Days; Bereaved Sibling Days and Sleepovers and Adolescent Weekends. Sibling Days are offered for primary school-aged siblings in the school holidays (not including January). The program focuses on siblings and celebrates their individuality. A strength-based program, these days offer a range of fun filled and creative activities around a central theme. The environment is relaxed and friendly, providing a creative, safe and supportive place for the expression of thoughts and feelings. An Adolescent Weekend is held each year for adolescents aged 13 to 20 who have a brother or sister with a life-threatening illness and for siblings who are bereaved. An annual Bereaved Sibling Sleepover is held over a weekend for children aged 5 to 13 years whose brother or sister has died. Very Special Kids also offers two weekend family camps per year run by Lord Somers/Powerhouse at Somers. All family members can attend. To access any of the programs offered, families must be registered with Very Special Kids. All services offered are free of charge. In addition to Malvern, offices are also located in Ballarat, Brunswick, Rosebud, Torquay, Shepparton and Traralgon. |
