What is sibling work?

Sibling work includes targeted support for children whose brother or sister is living with an impairment or life-shortening illness. The services are geared towards the specific emotional and social needs of these children. The aim is to recognize and promote their individual strengths and thus strengthen their emotional well-being and mental health in the long term.

Why is this work so important?

The first Swiss sibling study, which was conducted by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts on behalf of the Raum für Geschwister association and published in March 2025, clearly shows that 33% of the siblings surveyed experience a high level of psychological stress. Siblings grow up under challenging conditions, often with a great sense of responsibility and limited attention to their own needs.

What does the offer actually look like?

From fall 2025, an afternoon group for siblings of primary school age from the Zurich area will take place once a month on the premises of the Flamingo Children’s Hospice in Fällanden. The meetings offer a protected environment in which the children can talk to their peers. They learn that they are not alone in their situation and that their own needs are the focus.

The procedure:

After a preliminary telephone discussion with the parents, the children come together in the group under professional guidance. Through creative and interactive elements, they are given the opportunity to exchange ideas and talk about topics that concern them. The focus is on their own experiences and needs with the aim of strengthening their resilience.
In the long term, further groups are planned for different age groups and thematic focuses.

What role does the “Raum für Geschwister” association play?

The association contributes its many years of expertise and provides support through professional guidance, supra-regional networking and by pooling information. The various services are made easily accessible to the affected families via a platform and are recommended directly in the event of personal inquiries. The cooperation makes it possible to develop the services professionally and sustainably, draw attention to the special situation of siblings, communicate the services and thus support as many affected families as possible. Professionals will find a competent point of contact, receive information and can receive further training on the topic. Affected siblings and their families receive direct support with various offers at the respective developmental age.

In conversation with:

• Cornelia Mackuth-Wicki, Vice-President VRG Switzerland, nursing expert BScN
• Maya Caviezel, Lic. Phil, Specialist Psychologist for Psychotherapy FSP
• Selina Boppart, teacher, responsible for the psychosocial area