Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children’s Hospice

A place to rest, connect and make memories together

Sandcastles (Boodja Mia) Children's Hospice is a place where children, young people and families can spend time together, feel supported, and focus on what matters most.

Located in Swanbourne, Sandcastles is Western Australia's first purpose-built children's hospice. It is part of the Paediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Service (PPCHS) and provides specialised care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across Western Australia.

Designed to feel welcoming, comfortable and family centred, Sandcastles offers a home away from home where families can take a break from the routines and demands of everyday healthcare, while continuing to receive expert support from a dedicated team.

Whether you are visiting for respite, symptom management, end-of-life care or family support, our goal is to help your child and family live well and create meaningful moments together.

What can families access at Sandcastles?

Sandcastles offers a range of services tailored to the needs of each child and family, including:

• A specialist team including doctors and nurses, along with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, family support and Aboriginal Health Liaison team, who work together with your family to provide holistic care.
• Planned respite stays that provide families with time to rest, recharge and spend quality time together.
• Specialist support to help manage symptoms and improve comfort and wellbeing.
• End-of-life care in a peaceful, family-focused environment.
• Bereavement support for families following the death of a child.
• Emotional, practical and psychosocial support from the broader PPCHS team.

Every family's needs are different. We work closely with you to understand your goals and ensure your time at Sandcastles reflects what is most important to your child and family.

A home away from home

Sandcastles has been thoughtfully designed to support children, young people and families during every stage of their journey.

The hospice includes:

• Comfortable guest bedrooms and family accommodation.
• Indoor and outdoor play spaces.
• Sensory and therapeutic areas.
• Shared living, dining and kitchen spaces.
• A hydrotherapy pool.
• Gardens and outdoor spaces to relax and connect.
• Quiet spaces for reflection and time together.

Families are encouraged to make Sandcastles their own during their stay, creating opportunities to enjoy everyday moments, celebrate special occasions and spend valuable time together.

Care that wraps around your family

At Sandcastles, care extends beyond the child.

Our team understands that a child's illness affects the whole family. We provide support for parents, carers, siblings and other important people in your child's life, recognising that everyone experiences the journey differently.

We work alongside your family and your existing healthcare team to provide care that is coordinated, compassionate and responsive to your changing needs.

Who can access Sandcastles?

Sandcastles is available to eligible babies, children and young people aged up to 18 years who are receiving care through the CAHS Paediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Service (PPCHS).

Families from metropolitan, regional and rural Western Australia may be able to access Sandcastles, depending on their child's individual needs and circumstances.

If you are already receiving care from PPCHS and would like to learn more about Sandcastles, please speak with a member of your care team.

If your child is not currently receiving care from PPCHS, visit our webpage here, or speak with a member of your child's healthcare team about a referral.

How to book a stay

If you are interested in booking a stay at Sandcastles, please complete the booking request form using the link: https://redcap.link/PCH.SandcastlesBookings

If you have any questions about Sandcastles, the booking process, or what to expect during a stay for your child or your family, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Intake Coordinator on 08 6945 6904. We are very happy to answer any questions and support you in any way we can.

Once we receive your request, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your family’s needs, availability and next steps.

Helping children and families live well

Every family's journey is unique.

Whether you are visiting for respite, additional support, symptom management, end-of-life care or time together as a family, Sandcastles is a place where children and families can feel cared for, supported and connected.

Our focus is simple: helping children and families live as well as possible and make the most of every moment.