TRUCE: A support program for young people who have a parent with cancer
No matter how much you hope it doesn’t, life changes when you have a parent diagnosed with cancer.
Luckily, you’re not alone.
Truce is a free 7-week program for young people who have a parent with cancer, to come together and connect over their shared experiences. It’s a place for support, but is not a support group. Truce equips young people with the skills they need to cope through these difficult times, helps them learn to communicate better with parents and family, and helps them focus more on what’s important to them in life.
What does the TRUCE program involve?
You will take part in 7 face-to-face group sessions with other young people who have a parent with cancer. These sessions will run for about 2 hours.
The groups are led by experienced facilitators who will take the group through a series of activities and discussions based on coping skill development. Parents or caregivers are invited to take part in one joint session with The group, but it is up to the individual if they want to invite their parent/care giver.
You don’t have to be a CanTeen member to take part in Truce.
Truce Online
We are also offering an ‘online’ version of Truce. Young people can dial into Truce via a video link (e.g., Skype) and participate in the program from their homes.
This option has been added to enable people who are unable to attend sessions physically to take part in Truce.
Evaluation of the program
Truce is part of an optional research study helping us understand what helps young people cope with having a parent with cancer. To learn more about the research study evaluating Truce, click here.
To evaluate Truce, we are asking people to complete three surveys before you start the program. These surveys will ask you about how you currently deal with difficult thoughts and feelings. We’ll give you a $20 iTunes voucher for your time!
You can download consent forms for young people and parents below:
Information Sheet and Consent Form for Young People
Information Sheet and Consent Form for Parents
How do I sign up?
Are you aged between 14 – 22 years?
Do you have a parent or caregiver who was diagnosed or relapsed with cancer within the last 5 years?
Just fill in the expression of interest form below and click ‘done’ when you’re finished.
For more information, feel free to call us on 1800 234 007
Before you can take part in TRUCE, we need you to send in a signed Consent Form. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian will also need to give their permission for you to be part of TRUCE.
Information Sheet and Consent Form – young people
Information Sheet and Consent Form – parents
To send this to us, please write the following on the front of your envelope (no stamp is required):
Attn: TRUCE
CanTeen
Reply Paid 3821
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Whether you are a health professional, parent or young person we are happy to help you find out more about TRUCE!
If you have any questions about TRUCE or would like more information before or after signing up, please contact the research team on 1800 234 007 or at truce@canteen.org.au.