Families With Sick Kids to Receive Free Accommodation During Urgent or Extended Hospital Stays

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and Scape by the Living Company partner to provide accommodation to families of sick children

In a groundbreaking initiative to support some of New South Wales’ sickest children and their families, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) is partnering with Scape by the Living Company to launch the SCHF Patient Family Accommodation Program.

This landmark initiative offers free access to 42 apartments to the families of children receiving care across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, significantly expanding accommodation options and ensuring they can stay close to their child without financial strain.

Most recent data suggests that families from the outer suburbs of Sydney to the far regions of New South Wales often face significant challenges when their child requires hospital care far from home. At the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre, children undergoing cancer treatment spend an average of 7.6 days in hospital. These extended admissions can place considerable emotional and financial strain on families, underscoring the need for accommodation close to the hospital.

The SCHF Patient Family Accommodation Program will help ease the pressure on existing services, where demand often exceeds capacity, and families face waitlists or the financial burden of private rentals or hotels.

The apartments will be located at Scape by the Living Company’s new Lachlan Building in Kensington, just minutes from the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, the one- and two-bedroom apartments will include access to workspaces, outdoor areas, laundry facilities, and a 24/7 concierge to ensure families are supported during difficult times.

Kristina Keneally AO, CEO of SCHF, said:

“While existing services like Ronald McDonald House provide tremendous support, demand for patient family accommodation for sick and injured kids continues to grow.

“The SCHF Patient Family Accommodation Program will reduce the financial and emotional pressures families face, allowing them to focus on what matters most — their child. The success of this initiative depends on the generosity of donors, who can help us ensure families stay close to their children at little to no cost.”

The Hon. Ryan Park MP, NSW Health Minister, said:

“Having a child in hospital is an incredibly difficult time for any family.

“Long stays in hospitals and having to relocate whole families, can put a real strain on parents and carers, and every little bit of support during these distressing times can help.

“This initiative from Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation is a fantastic example of government and the community coming together to ensure that every child in NSW, and their family, is best supported during an illness or injury.”

Scape by the Living Company Co-Founder, Craig Carracher said:

“Every family deserves the stability to focus on what matters most. At Scape by the Living Company, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to love where they live as a

standard – not just when life is easy, but especially when it isn’t. That responsibility extends beyond the homes we create. It’s about showing up for the communities we’re part of and backing organisations that make a real difference.

“We’re fortunate to have the scale to help, and we believe we should use it. The best partnerships are built on shared values and practical action, creating lasting impact for families when they need it most.”

Davencare Foundation, Shelly Higgs, Director of Stories said:

“We are so glad to be able to support Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation in delivering a program that goes some way to ease the burden on families when a child is receiving hospital care. This initiative is about siblings still being able to see each other. It’s about primary carers being able to have a shower. It’s about parents being able to juggle work and their other caring commitments. It’s about being able to maintain the family unit and give crucial support at what is often such a difficult and challenging time.

“We hope our contribution inspires others to give to this necessary initiative and help ensure more families can stay close to their child when it matters most. By easing the financial burden of accommodation, this initiative means a world of difference in the day to day of ‘getting through’, and offers elements of normalcy, hope and connection.”

SCHF is the exclusive fundraising partner of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Donations to support the SCHF Patient Family Accommodation Program are welcome from individuals, families, community organisations, clubs, corporations, trusts, foundations, or through a gift in a will.

To support this initiative, visit www.schf.org.au.