Description: |
The sibling
program at Ballarat VSK is an extension of the sibling program
run predominately from the VSK Malvern office. As with VSK
Malvern, Ballarat VSK provides recreational and therapuetic
days for siblings of children with a progressive life-threatening
illness, while addressing the distance problem for rural families.
The sibling days are held every school holiday (not including
Christmas.) Each sibling day includes the option of participating
in a family picnic lunch. The program focus is on siblings
and celebrates their individuality. A strength-based program,
these days offer a range of fun filled and creative activities
around a single theme. The environment is relaxed and friendly,
providing a creative, safe and supportive place for the expression
of thoughts and feelings. For siblings, co-ed, primary school
age. A Sibling Newsletter also exists for the primary school
age, non-bereaved, siblings, comprising letters, games, photos
and other fun interactive activities, some of which come from
the siblings themselves. This newsletter can be sent to all
non-bereaved siblings in the age bracket (registered with
VSK) regardless of whether or not they access the actual sibling
program. Please note that while Ballarat VSK follows the same
sibling structure and philosophy as Malvern VSK, currently
less services are available from the Ballarat base. Additional
support offfered at VSK Malvern Office includes: An Adolescent
Weekend, held in the first half of the year for adolescents
aged 13 to 18. It is open to bereaved and non-bereaved siblings.
A newsletter is also published regularly for adolescents belonging
to Very Special Kids. A Sibling Sleepover is held over a weekend
in the latter part of the year for children aged 5 to 13 years.
It is open to bereaved siblings only. Very Special Kids also
offers two weekend Family Camps per year, run by Lord Somers/Powerhouse
at Somers. All family members can attend. In order to access
any of the programs offered, families must be registered with
Very Special Kids. All services offered are free. In addition
to Ballarat and Malvern, VSK offices are also located in Coburg,
Footscray, Frankston, Geelong, Shepparton and Taralgon. |
