About Canteen

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Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit that provides free and tailored support to young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer. Whether they are dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one, Canteen provides:

All support services are underpinned by Canteen’s research and evaluation team who conduct world-class psychosocial research with the ultimate goal of transforming the lives of young people affected by cancer.

Canteen was set up by a group of young cancer patients in 1985 and is one of Australia's leading cancer organisations where young people still guide the organisation at every level. Read our 2021-2026 strategic plan.  

 

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Values & Commitments

We are guided by our values and our commitment to ensure that everyone at Canteen feels respected, included and safe.  

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two young people wearing canteen shirts

We connect

Connection is our core. We connect young people with others their age who ‘get it’ and with specialist staff who truly understand cancer’s challenges.

 

We empower

We empower young people to lead within and beyond Canteen to shape the organisation they need and the world they want to live in.

 

We challenge

We use research and evidence to constantly challenge ourselves and others to be better in order to deliver the best outcomes for young people.

 

We are real

Young people’s real experiences are at the heart of everything we do. We don’t shy away from the tough stuff - we use it to build hope, resilience and meaning.

artwork by jasmine sarin
group of four people having a conversation in front of an artwork
Our commitment to reconciliation
Canteen supports national reconciliation in recognition of cancer’s disproportionate impact on our First Nations people. We are committed to providing inclusive and appropriate support for First Nations young people, their kin and community impacted by cancer.
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five young people from canteen walking and smiling
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Cancer doesn’t discriminate and neither do we. Canteen welcomes people with diverse sexualities, gender identities and intersex variations and from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities.
Meet our executive team
Canteen’s executive team has led the organisation through a period of major reform and growth that has seen the organisation attain financial stability along with national and international recognition for the calibre of the work it does in supporting young people living with cancer.