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Canteen counselling and individual support

Canteen understands that cancer affects everything, from how you feel and think, to your relationships and other areas of life, like education, work and finances.
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Free and professional mental health support

Canteen provides free, confidential counselling for young people aged 12-25 impacted by cancer. Whether you are dealing with your own diagnosis, a family member’s illness, or grief, our professional team offers a safe, non-judgmental space to share your feelings and develop practical coping strategies.

  • 100% free & confidential - Professional support with zero out-of-pocket costs
  • Specialised cancer expertise - Our counsellors are expertly trained in the unique emotional and mental challenges of youth cancer.
  • Support anywhere in Australia - access sessions via face-to-face appointments or online via Canteen Connect, no matter your location.
  • Practical strategies - We don't just listen; we help you build actionable tools to manage the impact cancer has on your life.

GET SUPPORT TODAY 

CANTEEN CONNECT 

 

two people engaged in a canteen counselling session
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a young person on their phone accessing Canteens online support

Individual support

Canteen provides individualised support that adapts to your unique cancer experience. We listen to your specific needs first, then work collaboratively to solve the practical and emotional hurdles you are facing.

  • Life and career continuity - practical guidance for navigating school, university, or employment while managing cancer's impact.
  • Social and relationship navigation - Strategies to manage changing dynamics with friends, partners, or family members.
  • Collaborative planning - You decide the level of support you need; we help make it happen.
  • Broad emotional support - From clinical distress to "whatever is on your mind," no concern is too small for our trained counsellors to help you with.

GET SUPPORT TODAY  

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Abbey's Story

Abbey was able to access Canteen's free and confidential counselling services after her father passed away from cancer. Watch the video to hear how Canteen provided her with the support she needed during that difficult time in her life, where she battled isolation and grief.

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Frequently asked questions

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What mental health support is available during cancer?
Description

Mental health support during cancer can include professional counselling, peer support programs, and structured services tailored to a person’s age and situation. Canteen offers free counselling delivered by qualified professionals who understand the unique emotional challenges young people face when cancer affects their lives. Support is designed to help young people manage anxiety, stress, grief and uncertainty.

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Who can I talk to if I am struggling emotionally with cancer?
Description

If you are a young person aged 12 to 25 impacted by cancer, you can speak to a Canteen counsellor. Canteen provides free, confidential counselling services for young people dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer, or bereavement due to cancer. Talking to a trained professional can help you process your emotions and develop strategies to cope.

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What emotional support is available for people newly diagnosed with cancer?
Description

For young people aged 12 to 25 who are newly diagnosed with cancer, Canteen offers free professional counselling and peer support programs. These services are designed to provide a safe space to talk, understand emotions, and connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Support is tailored to the needs of young people at different stages of their cancer journey.

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How do teenagers deal with cancer emotionally?
Description

Teenagers dealing with cancer, either their own diagnosis or a family member’s, may experience fear, anger, sadness and isolation. Accessing professional counselling and peer support can help them process these emotions. Canteen specialises in supporting young people aged 12 to 25 through free counselling and programs designed specifically for this stage of life.

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Is there free counselling available for young people affected by cancer?
Description

Yes. Canteen provides free professional counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 who are dealing with cancer in their lives. This includes young people with their own diagnosis, those supporting a family member with cancer, and those grieving the loss of someone to cancer.

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