Sibling Supports
BC Children’s Hospital has a dedicated Sauder Sibling Centre that provides safe, short-term sibling support for up to two hours.
With the support of hospital volunteers, the centre provides age-appropriate activities such as:
- Arts and crafts
- Board games
- Movies
- Video games
- Quiet spaces to read or rest
The centre also provides a single-serve nutritional snack for children who wish to have a snack break during their visit.
Eligible children
- Siblings of children who are currently receiving care at BC Children’s Hospital
- Three years of age and above
- Toilet-trained and capable of feeding themselves
- Children aged three years and under may receive in-room volunteer support by booking an appointment
Volunteer visits for children under three
The Under Three Sibling Support Service is a volunteer-led service for siblings of patients staying in the hospital or visiting clinics. It is designed for short-term visits and meets the needs of children under three years of age. You can choose a block of three hours or under. One volunteer will play with one sibling during a booking time.
Research has shown that distraction, play, activities and entertainment greatly reduce fear and anxiety in siblings of sick children. This also allows the parents/care providers time to focus on the child in care without worry.
Volunteers work on units and in waiting room areas. Department areas provide a point person for the volunteer to connect with for emergencies. The point person also introduces volunteers and families, tells them where to meet, and orients the volunteer to the department's play space.
Under Three operating hours
The service is available Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays, depending on volunteer and staff point-person availability.
- Block 1 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm
- Block 2 - 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- Block 3 - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
How to access this service
The centre offers three scheduled time blocks each weekday that families can book ahead of time. Time blocks include:
- 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 1:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Bookings are first come, first served. You can only reserve an appointment up to five months from the booking date. They are limited to one visit per child per day.
Drop-ins are welcome, depending on availability. We accept bookings through our online booking portal, by phone, email or in-person.
Contact the Sauder Sibling Centre
Address: Ground floor, connector corridor to Shaughnessy building, near the hospital cafeteria
Phone: 604-875-3594
Toll-free line: 1-855-875-3594
Email: siblingcentre@cw.bc.ca
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
Additional resources
- Sauder Sibling Centre Resource List (PDF) - includes a feedback survey, and links to books, websites, articles and apps
- Young Sibling Peer Support Groups - BC, Yukon, Alberta partnership (video)