Our patron
Rowan Downing, QC

Helping families with children
receiving paediatric palliative care
to enhance quality of life
for the family as a whole

Very Special Kids

VSK is a Victorian organisation which supports families throughout their experience of caring for children with life-threatening illnesses, from diagnosis through to recovery or bereavement. VSK established Australia’s first children’s hospice, Very Special Kids’ House, which provides respite and end-of-life care.

Related Links

Organisations
We provide a few links to groups which support seriously ill children, children with life-limiting conditions and bereaved families. These groups are not specific to a particular illness or condition.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

RMHC seeks to help seriously ill children and their families lead happier, healthier lives.

Their core work involves supporting several children’s programs including Ronald McDonald Houses, Ronald McDonald Learning Program and Ronald McDonald Beach Houses.

Bear Cottage

Bear Cottage is the first children’s hospice in New South Wales.

It is a place where children with terminal illnesses and their families can stay from time to time and receive rest and medical care in a home-like environment.

About Paediatric Palliative Care
This is a good source of information about paediatric palliative care from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Palliative Care Australia
PCA is the national peak body for palliative care in Australia. Their goal is to work towards the relief of pain and suffering of dying people in Australia and the provision of the care they need. PCA are currently developing a paediatric palliative care resource.

Grief and Loss
An extensive listing of community groups throughout Australia who provide  bereavement support and advice on grief and loss issues.