TLC for Kids is Australia’s leading children’s charity, helping sick kids and their families cope with the challenges of everyday life with illness. Since 1998, TLC for Kids has given relief and much-needed distraction to sick children and their families during stressful and traumatic situations.
In hospitals across Australia, our services have been used over 13 million times and counting (currently, almost a million times each year). Upon referral, we give tailored practical and emotional support both in and out of the hospital. Whether it’s a one-off hospital visit or a prolonged struggle with illness, we are part of the extended support network for sick children, aiming to reduce stress and help the whole family face what’s ahead.
With four very unique services, TLC for Kids’ mission is to help bring smiles back onto the faces of sick children and their families.
TLC for Kids is Australia’s leading children’s charity, helping sick kids and their families cope with the challenges of everyday life with illness. Since 1998, TLC for Kids has given relief and much-needed distraction to sick children and their families during stressful and traumatic situations.
In hospitals across Australia, our services have been used over 13 million times and counting (currently, almost a million times each year). Upon referral, we give tailored practical and emotional support both in and out of the hospital. Whether it’s a one-off hospital visit or a prolonged struggle with illness, we are part of the extended support network for sick children, aiming to reduce stress and help the whole family face what’s ahead.
With four very unique services, TLC for Kids’ mission is to help bring smiles back onto the faces of sick children and their families.
The Distraction Box Program is designed to give nurses and healthcare professionals the perfect tools to guide young children through painful examinations and procedures. Each Distraction Box is placed in medical treatment and assessment rooms, emergency departments, pathology clinics etc. Each box is used multiple times and contains a variety of specific toys and items that engage the child and divert their attention away from the procedure, all whilst complying with hospital infection control protocols.
Building on these proven distraction principles, we have developed a Digital Distraction App that gives children worldwide, anytime, anywhere distraction. The Digital Distraction App (tlcforkids.app) comprises a variety of child-friendly games, each with a specific purpose to help distract and reduce fear for a child during a medical procedure, immunisation or whilst they are experiencing any form of stress or discomfort. The engagement can assist and improve the state of mental health of the child, accessible from any smart device.
Our Rapid TLC Service delivers timely support to help lift the spirits and ease the stress of the child and their family in whatever way we can. This can range from a surprise birthday package, a day out for the family, helping out with household costs, or sadly, assisting with bereavement arrangements.
And lastly, The TLC Ambulance provides an immersive and engaging experience that differentiates it from other patient transport vehicles. It offers a very special day out for children in palliative care, and their families, to their most treasured destinations. And at the end of each trip, the families receive photos and vision captured throughout the day that create some wonderful lasting memories. (Special thanks to Ambulance Victoria paramedics who volunteer their time to drive the TLC Ambulance and make these trips possible)
Tim Conolan AM founded the charity in 1998 when he heard that children were falling through the gaps of existing services. This includes sufferers of accidents and burns; rare illnesses; abuse; family trauma; mental health issues; and long-term conditions. Tim has since won Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2014 for his remarkable contributions to society through TLC for Kids.
The Distraction Box Program is designed to give nurses and healthcare professionals the perfect tools to guide young children through painful examinations and procedures. Each Distraction Box is placed in medical treatment and assessment rooms, emergency departments, pathology clinics etc. Each box is used multiple times and contains a variety of specific toys and items that engage the child and divert their attention away from the procedure, all whilst complying with hospital infection control protocols.
Building on these proven distraction principles, we have developed a Digital Distraction App that gives children worldwide, anytime, anywhere distraction. The Digital Distraction App (tlcforkids.app) comprises a variety of child-friendly games, each with a specific purpose to help distract and reduce fear for a child during a medical procedure, immunisation or whilst they are experiencing any form of stress or discomfort. The engagement can assist and improve the state of mental health of the child, accessible from any smart device.
Our Rapid TLC Service delivers timely support to help lift the spirits and ease the stress of the child and their family in whatever way we can. This can range from a surprise birthday package, a day out for the family, helping out with household costs, or sadly, assisting with bereavement arrangements.
And lastly, The TLC Ambulance provides an immersive and engaging experience that differentiates it from other patient transport vehicles. It offers a very special day out for children in palliative care, and their families, to their most treasured destinations. And at the end of each trip, the families receive photos and vision captured throughout the day that create some wonderful lasting memories. (Special thanks to Ambulance Victoria paramedics who volunteer their time to drive the TLC Ambulance and make these trips possible)
Tim Conolan AM founded the charity in 1998 when he heard that children were falling through the gaps of existing services. This includes sufferers of accidents and burns; rare illnesses; abuse; family trauma; mental health issues; and long-term conditions. Tim has since won Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2014 for his remarkable contributions to society through TLC for Kids.
Who, what, and why?
Tim Conolan AM, CEO, Australia’s Local Hero 2014
Who, what, and why?
Tim Conolan AM, CEO, Australia’s Local Hero 2014