Canteen’s 2025 end of year wrap

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to sincerely thank you for standing beside young Australians when cancer turned their world upside down. 

Thanks to your generosity, Canteen significantly expanded its reach this year, delivering a record number of cancer support services for young people and families across Australia. This growth meant more young people could access specialist counselling, education and career support, and opportunities to connect with others their age who understand what they are going through. 

Here is a snapshot of the impact you made possible in 2025: 

• Almost 32,000 vital cancer support services delivered for young people aged 12 to 25. This included specialist counselling, programs, digital support and free resources for young people and families navigating cancer. 86% of young people reported improved wellbeing after accessing Canteen counselling.
• Australia’s first Youth Cancer Awareness Month (YCAM) launched, with a national campaign elevating young voices and shining a national spotlight on the unique needs of young people facing cancer as patients, siblings and young carers.
• Research and lived experience shaping better care, with psychosocial support embedded across youth cancer care. 95% of young patients offered support and almost all who wanted it receiving ongoing care.
• Education and career pathways expanded, informed by our latest research showing that young people with a parent or sibling diagnosed with cancer experience poorer mental wellbeing and are more likely to disengage from school or work. In response, we expanded our Education and Career Service to support siblings and offspring with evidence-informed, trauma-aware pathways back into study and employment. 

• Bandanna Day once again united communities nationwide, bringing schools, workplaces and partners together to ensure young people could continue to access free support when they need it most. In a standout moment, the Titans and The Lottery Office led a world-record attempt for the most bandannas worn at a single sporting event, helping amplify national awareness and vital fundraising to keep Canteen’s services free for young people.

   

 You can read more about the impact you made possible in our Annual Report.

In 2025 we also welcomed our new CEO Siona Hardy and launched our Strategic Plan 2025–2029. This plan sets a clear and ambitious direction, with a goal to deliver one million meaningful support touchpoints over the next four years. 

At a time when many families are facing uncertainty, your support helps ensure young people affected by cancer are not facing it alone. This impact is only possible because of you - our donors and corporate partners who believe young people deserve a future defined by hope and opportunity, not cancer.

As the year comes to a close, we wish you and your loved ones, a peaceful festive season and a Happy New Year. We look forward to continuing this important work together in 2026.