BC Children's & Women's Hospitals

BC Children’s Hospital – Sauder Sibling Centre & Services

BC Children’s has a dedicated Sauder Sibling Centre that provides safe, short-term sibling support for up to two hours. Research has shown that distraction, play, activities and entertainment greatly reduce fear and anxiety in siblings of children in care. This also allows the parents/care providers time to focus on the child in care without worry.

Centre Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

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

Eligible Children:
The Sauder Sibling Centre is for siblings of patients in the care of either BC Children’s + Women’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre, or Healthy Minds Centre. The space is available to siblings on campus/at the hospitals for up to two hours, while the patient is in care/receiving care. The Centre is volunteer-supported with Coordinators onsite.
– Sibling Centre Requirements: Children must be 3 years of age or older, toilet trained, and able to feed themselves
– Children aged three years and under may receive in-room volunteer support by booking an appointment for the Under Three Sibling Support Service – Contact to Book

How to Book:
– Online portal: https://siblingcentre.janeapp.com
– Phone: 604-875-3594 or toll free: 1-855-875-3594
– Email: [email protected]

Bookings are first come, first served. Visits are limited to one visit per child per day. Drop-ins are welcome, depending on availability.

Additional Resources
Sauder Sibling Centre Resource List (PDF) – includes a feedback survey, and links to books, websites, articles and apps – https://www.bcchildrens.ca/sites/g/files/qpdaav156/files/2025-04/sibling-centre-resource-list.pdf

Young Sibling Peer Support Groups – BC, Yukon, Alberta partnership (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71lwt1glYcE

Sibling Support Resources for Caregivers (PDF) – a one-page guide co-designed with Child Life to help adults talk with sibling caregivers and access English-language support materials. PDF includes English, French, Tagalog, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese and Arabic translations – https://www.bcchildrens.ca/sites/g/files/qpdaav156/files/2025-10/sibling-support-resources-caregivers_0.pdf