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HOW we support young
people impacted by cancer

Young people

Aged 12 - 25

Parents & Carers

With cancer or have a child with cancer

Professionals

In health care or education

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Cancer affects everyone differently.

That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help young people impacted by cancer overcome the specific challenges they’re dealing with.

Support services for

Young people

It might feel like your family or friends don’t really get what you’re going through, but you’re not alone.

Through Canteen, you can meet and support other young people impacted by cancer who understand how you feel because they are dealing with similar stuff.

Find out more
Chloe, a young person who lost her teens entirely to cancer, but is now a proud Canteen youth ambassador, wearing a Canteen bandanna

Chloe

Chloe lost her teens entirely to cancer, but now is a proud Canteen youth ambassador.

Canteen young person, Daniel, who found community in Canteen after his mum was diagnosed with cancer, sitting in the woods smiling to the camera

Daniel

Daniel found community in Canteen after his mum was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2013. 

Georgia, a young who found friendship through Canteen after connecting with others in the same boat, looking into the camera

Georgia

Georgia found peers who shared her cancer experience through Canteen.

A photo of Jacob, a young person who accessed Canteen free support services after his mum lost her battle to cancer.

Jacob

Canteen’s Good Grief program helped Jacob cope and connect with peers after his mum lost her battle to cancer.

A photo of Canteen young person Josh who is advocating for young people impacted by cancer after surviving liver cancer as a toddler.

Josh

Josh is advocating for young people impacted by cancer after surviving liver cancer as a toddler. 

Read more stories from young people

Quick links to help Young People

Learning & Support resources

Check out our range of resources and articles made to help you.

Events & Programs

Take a break and meet people like you who get it.

Join us on Canteen Connect!

A community for young people dealing with their own or a close family member’s cancer.

Canteen Connect

Counselling

Talk to a specialists about whatever is on your mind. We can also provide support finding ways to cope with what life looks like now. It's confidential and completely free.

Counselling & support

For young cancer patients

Specialist treatment and support for young people with cancer aged 15-25 is provided by the Youth Cancer Services (YCS).

Dealing with grief

Getting the right support when someone in your family has passed away is so important, but asking for help can be tricky too. We are in your corner when you need it.

Quick links to help Parents & Carers

Communicating about cancer

Discover practical tips and advice for parents facing cancer on communicating and supporting your children through a diagnosis in the family.


 

Refer someone

Refer someone who you know needs support.

Cancer Hub

Access to practical and emotional support for families impacted by cancer (with children aged 0-25).

Advice and Resources

Find resources with useful, relevant information for parents and carers who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis in the family.

Guide to Canteen

Learn more about how Canteen supports young people impacted by cancer.

Counselling for parents

Our counsellors and psychologists can help you manage your own mental health and support you through the parenting challenges cancer can bring. Contact us or call 1800  945 215.

On-demand webinars

Our series of on-demand webinars provide family cancer support in the form of practical tools, strategies, resources and services for parents impacted by a significant illness.

Managing the effects of cancer in the family

Cancer impacts the whole family emotionally. Parents and carers may feel overwhelmed, guilty, or helpless. Support is available to help everyone cope.

Key links to help health and education professionals

School Support

Canteen supports school communities to better assist students impacted by cancer.

Free training

On-demand courses which are aimed at professionals working in the education and healthcare space.

Our Research

Discover world-class research from our Impact team that is changing lives.

Refer someone

Refer someone as a health or service professional.

Our services

Counselling and Support

Our specially trained counsellors are here to provide the support you need.
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two people during a free Canteen counselling session, offered to all young people impacted by cancer aged between 12-25

Canteen Connect

Join our online community for young people and connect with others who ‘get it’.
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image of a young person using the connect app

Cancer Hub

Cancer in the family brings immense challenges. Finding support shouldn’t be one of them.
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a son and father sitting on the couch talking to each other

Support Canteen

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Acknowledgement of Country

Canteen acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We are committed to providing inclusive and appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their kin and community. Indigenous Australians are respectfully advised this website may contain images, names or stories of people who have passed away. Read our Reconciliation Action Plan here.

Ngalaya (Dharawal for ally or friend in battle), is an artwork commissioned by Canteen created by Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman and artist Jasmine Sarin.

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Diversity and Inclusion
We are guided by our values and commitments to ensure that everyone at Canteen feels respected, included and safe. We welcome the LGBTQI+ community and people from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities.
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Digital Mental Health Standards
Canteen and Cancer Hub digital services have been formally awarded accreditation to the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards.
 
Youth Cancer Services are funded by the Australian Government and State/Territory departments.

75 King St, Newtown NSW 2042 Australia
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