About Canteen

What is Canteen?

Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit cancer charity 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's cancer services for young people provide: 

Connection

With peers in similar situations through events and programs 

Counselling

Free and tailored counselling and individual support 

Online Support

24/7 online support services for young people

Resources

Access to free information, articles and resources which help guide through the challenges cancer can bring

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Why Canteen exists

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. 

Canteen exists to help young people navigate the challenges that cancer brings. Whether it’s their own diagnosis, or that of a parent or sibling, cancer can turn life upside down. Between the ages of 12 and 25, life is already full of challenges: school, university, exams, friendships and identity. These are the years that shape young people. Cancer shouldn’t be part of that journey - but for many, it is. Canteen ensures that no young person faces cancer alone.

Canteen knows that everyone’s cancer experience is different, which is why it offers free and tailored support through a range of services that ensure young Australians impacted by cancer can access the help they need.

Through free counselling, peer connection, and specialist services, Canteen helps young people rebuild confidence, connection, and hope. 

two young people wearing bandannas from the canteen cancer foundation in australia

Supporting young people across Australia

Canteen maintains a nationwide presence, providing dedicated support in every state and territory, alongside 24/7 online services, to ensure young people can access help whenever they need it.

  • We run national programs that provide the opportunity for young people to connect with their peers who understand what they are going through. Additionally, these programs offer some much needed respite from the everyday challenges cancer can bring.  

  • Canteen offers a 24/7 online community, Canteen Connect, where young people across the country can engage with one another and access resources, contribute to discussions, read articles and join virtual or in-person events. 

  • Canteen's national coverage means that young people can access vital counselling services (either virtually or in-person) with a trained staff member to help them cope with the challenges cancer brings. 

  • Canteen has partnerships with other nationally recognised charities in Redkite and Camp Quality and offers cancer support for families through the Cancer Hub initiative.

Leadership and Research

Behind Canteen’s impact is a passionate leadership team and a nationally recognised research program which drives innovation, accountability, and lasting impact

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Siona Hardy, CEO of Canteen - a youth cancer foundation in australia

Leadership

Canteen is led by a dedicated team of professionals with deep expertise in health, youth services, and non-profit leadership. Their strategic vision and commitment to innovation drive the organisation's mission to support young people impacted by cancer.

MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

MEET THE BOARD

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young person impacted by cancer receiving support from the canteen cancer foundation australia

Research

Canteen’s Research team is made up of highly qualified experts who lead the organisation’s evidence-based approach. With deep experience across psychology, public health, epidemiology and youth support, they conduct internationally recognised research to better understand and improve outcomes for young people impacted by cancer.

MEET THE TEAM

CURRENT PROJECTS

Frequently asked questions

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How is Canteen different from other cancer charities?
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Unlike other cancer charities, Canteen is the only provider of dedicated support to young people between the ages of 12 and 25 impacted by cancer, through counselling, peer support, and programs. 

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What support is available for young people going through cancer in Australia?
Description

In Australia, young people aged 12 to 25 who are impacted by cancer can access free support services through Canteen. This includes professional counsellingeducation and career supportonline support and peer support programs tailored specifically to young people dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer, or bereavement due to cancer. Services are designed to support emotional wellbeing and help young people feel understood and supported.

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Are there free cancer support services for teenagers and young adults?
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Yes. Canteen provides free support services for young people aged 12 to 25 across Australia. These services include access to qualified counsellors and peer support programs where young people can connect with others facing similar challenges related to cancer.

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Who is eligible for Canteen’s support services?
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Canteen supports young people aged 12 to 25 in Australia who are dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer, or the death of a loved one from cancer. Services are free and tailored to the unique needs of young people at different stages of their cancer journey.

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Can parents access Canteen’s services?
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Canteen is a charity dedicated to providing youth cancer support. Click here to see the support that Canteen offers to parents and caregivers.

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Is Canteen one of the most reputable cancer charities in Australia?
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Canteen is a well-established national charity that has supported young Australians impacted by cancer for decades. Its reputation is built on delivering specialised services for young people aged 12 to 25, including free counselling and peer support programs. As a registered charity and endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient, Canteen operates under Australian regulatory standards and provides accountable governance and reporting.

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What does Canteen do to support young people with cancer?
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Canteen provides free, specialised support services for young people aged 12 to 25 who are dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer, or the death of a loved one from cancer. Services include professional free counselling and peer support programs designed to help young people navigate the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

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Why do people consider Canteen one of the best cancer charities to support in Australia?
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Many supporters choose Canteen because it focuses specifically on young people aged 12 to 25 who are uniquely impacted by cancer. Canteen delivers age-appropriate support services, including counselling and peer support programs, at no cost to young people. As a registered Australian charity and Deductible Gift Recipient, donations of $2 or more are tax deductible, and funds contribute directly to delivering specialised services for young Australians affected by cancer.

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How can I check if a cancer charity is trustworthy in Australia?
Description

You can check whether a cancer charity is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, review its stated mission and services, confirm its governance structure, and ensure it complies with Australian regulatory standards. Canteen is a registered national charity and provides clear information about its purpose, services, and impact supporting young people affected by cancer.

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Is Canteen a teen cancer charity in Australia?
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Yes. Canteen is an Australian charity dedicated to supporting teenagers and young adults aged 12 to 25 who are impacted by cancer. This includes young people with their own diagnosis, those supporting a family member with cancer, and those grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer.

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Why do people trust Canteen as a cancer charity?
Description

People trust Canteen because it is a national, registered Australian charity dedicated to supporting young people impacted by cancer. It provides free counselling and peer support programs designed specifically for young people aged 12 to 25. As an endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient, donations of $2 or more are tax deductible, and funds support the delivery of specialised services for young Australians.

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