Events and Programs
Canteen’s events and programs give young people some much-needed space away from the daily pressures of living with cancer.
Canteen offers everything from bowling to cooking classes and casual ‘drop-ins’ at your local Canteen office.
If it’s tricky to get to a face-to-face event, Canteen Connect can get you socialising from the comfort of your couch with things like book clubs, gaming nights and crafting sessions. Queer, questioning or curious? CanQueer also offers a vibrant online community for LGBTQI+ young people.
Want to try an overnight program? Canteen’s EXPLORE, and PEER programs are for you. They each focus on slightly different stuff, but all aim to give you time to connect with others, be active, deal with feelings if you need to, and take time off from cancer.
Events and Programs FAQs
What kinds of events and programs does Canteen offer?
Canteen provides a wide variety of free events and programs designed to give young people impacted by cancer a break from daily pressures. These include fun activities like bowling, cooking classes, casual drop-ins, and a range of digital options such as book clubs, gaming nights, crafting sessions via Canteen Connect. They also offer specialised overnight programs like EXPLORE and PEER, which help young people connect, be active, and process their feeling
Who can participate in Canteen events and programs?
Canteen programs are open to young people aged 12–25 who are impacted by cancer – this includes those with their own diagnosis, those with a parent, carer or sibling affected by cancer, and those who have lost someone close. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, but all are designed to offer connection, support, and understanding in a safe, inclusive environment.
What if I can’t attend an event in person?
If attending in person is difficult, Canteen offers a wide range of online programs and communities. Through Canteen Connect, young people can join activities like book clubs, gaming sessions, and crafting hangouts from home.
About Canteen
When cancer crashes into a young person’s world, Canteen is in their corner with whatever support they need. We provide individually tailored support to young people aged 12-25 and their parents.
Discover our other cancer services and resources
Communicating about Cancer for Parents and Carers
Parenting is tough enough without adding cancer to the mix. We get it. Here are some tips for parents and carers impacted by cancer on communicating and supporting their children.
Cancer Education Program
The Camp Quality Puppets visit primary and preschools across Australia delivering education that dispels cancer myths and creates an inclusive community for kids impacted by cancer.
Financial Assistance
Cancer can have a significant impact on a family’s financial situation. Redkite can help by paying for essentials like fuel, groceries, electricity and more.
Supporting your partner when they have cancer
Being the partner of someone who has cancer isn’t easy – it can be scary and confusing.
Teacher Resources about Cancer
The teacher resource pack is a guide to help school staff and parents/carers, from preschools to primary schools across Australia, navigate cancer in the school community.
Counselling and Individual Support
Canteen counsellors provide specialised support through online or face-to-face sessions, helping young people cope with cancer’s impact.
Children’s Counselling
Redkite’s Children’s Counselling supports kids with cancer and siblings (5-18yrs) through tailored activities. Focusing on emotional well-being, resilience, and self-esteem in a safe, caring environment.
Kids’ Guide to Cancer
Kids’ Guide to Cancer is a valuable tool for parents to help answer the most common questions children have about cancer in a safe, interactive and educational way.
Emotions and Cancer: Coping tips for parents
Parents and carers of children diagnosed with cancer often experience stress, overwhelm and uncertainty throughout the cancer experience. Here are our tips for coping with strong emotions during this challenging time.
Camps
Kids’ Camps and Family Camps are opportunities for kids and their families to have fun experiences together, make positive memories and meet friends who understand.