b'with cancer, a year before James, but was able to recover, at around the time he went into palliative care. In the months leading up to James death, Very Special Kids provided wrap-around support for the family, including taking the kids into the hospice so the parents could have a break. Maryjo was among the first siblings asked if she would like to join the newly formed Youth Advisory Group and has been on it ever since, running activities, having input to Very Special Kids strategy, communications and a charter of rights for young people. The group also advocates for everything from paediatric palliative care action plans to advising the Lord Somers camp about the needs of grieving young people. Its so humbling to be part of a group where everyone is there for the same purpose, Maryjo said. When we come together, I think were such a tight knit group. Because weve all experienced some sort of hardship with siblings or family members, we know how to speak to each other and just comfort each other in times of need. Its so comforting to know that there are people out there that understand what youre going through, and you can talk about it and not be afraid that someones going to judge you for it.Therapeutic activities are facilitated by MittagundiThe Youth Advisory Group came about because Very and Very Special Kids staff that help foster positiveSpecial Kids believes that young people have the right group dynamics and build self-assurance throughto participate in decisions that affect them. By creating accomplishment, as well as encouraging self-reflectioncollaborative partnerships with young people, they aim and self-expression, and opportunity to make deep to empower them to share their expertise to help Very social and emotional connections. The connectionsSpecial Kids strengthen their services and improve formed during camp continue to grow through Veryaccess to a diverse range of programs. Special Kids broader programs, creating a ripple effect Very Special Kids believes that initiatives designed for of lasting impact. children and young peoplebychildren and young people When not bonding in the great outdoors, these teenageare far more effective and likely to succeed.siblings can apply to be part of the Youth Advisory GroupThe group continues to evolve, now exploring what can (YAG), also supported by Newsboys.be offered for young adults, as well as sparking members The group is so effective in providing genuine input intoto build careers in social work and related professions. Very Special Kids services, that it won the VictorianNewsboys has a specific focus on young people, Government Group Achievement in the Communitysupporting them in a way that reduces the risk of Award in the 2025 7NEWS Young Achiever Awardsincurring mental health challenges, Julia said. Victoria. Newsboys Foundation has been really amazing in The pure excitement and joy we all had on that night!supporting Very Special Kids, ensuring these vital sibling YAG member Maryjo recalled. When we actually won,programs can continue to deliver benefit to young people it was a huge scream from this corner of the room, thehaving a brother or sister diagnosed with a life-limiting excitement from all of us. condition. Maryjos younger brother, James, died of cancer in 2015,Nick Placewhen he was 14 years old. She had also been diagnosed NEWSBOYS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 202513'