Canteen Events and Programs
Youth Cancer Service
Canteen’s events and programs give young people some much-needed space away from the daily pressures of living with cancer.
Canteen provides free, safe, and inclusive events and programs designed to help young people navigate the pressures of living with cancer. Whether you are dealing with your own diagnosis, a family member's illness, or the loss of a loved one, our programs offer a supportive space to connect with peers, share experiences, build coping strategies, and have a bit of fun!
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Canteen events offer something for everyone
Canteen offers a wide range of in‑person, online, and overnight programs designed to support young people impacted by cancer. Whether you want social activities, creative sessions, to connect with a like-minded community, or a full overnight experience, there’s a program to help you connect, feel supported, and take a break from cancer.
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In‑person activities
Canteen provides a variety of face‑to‑face activities for young people impacted by cancer. These events are designed to help you meet others, have fun, and build support networks.
Activities can include:
- Bowling and group outings
- Cooking classes and creative workshops
- Casual drop‑in sessions at your local Canteen office
These activities offer a relaxed and welcoming way to connect with others who understand your experience.
Online community and virtual events
If you can’t attend events in person, Canteen Connect gives you simple ways to stay social from home.
Online activities include:
- Book clubs
- Gaming nights
- Craft sessions
- Guided social hangouts
All online events are designed to help you connect with others in a supportive and safe environment.
LGBTQI+ young people
For LGBTQI+ young people who are queer, questioning, or curious, CanQueer offers an inclusive, vibrant online space where you can:
- Build community
- Meet others with shared experiences
- Access support without judgment
This community sits within Canteen Connect and is tailored specifically to LGBTQI+ young people impacted by cancer.
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Connect digitally
Canteen offers a wide range of online events and virtual activities so you can stay connected from any location.
Whether you join a book club, take part in gaming nights, or get involved in other digital sessions, you can easily connect with others and feel the same sense of community, support, and belonging - no matter where you live.
Make sense of your sibling’s cancer
If you’re facing the challenge of a sibling’s cancer, hearing from other young people going through the same thing can be really helpful. Unpack how you’re feeling on our EXPLORE program.
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If your parent or carer has cancer
Getting the right guidance now and spending time with other young people in the same boat can really help. Our PEER program is all about support and taking a break from cancer.
PEER is focused on connection, reflection, and emotional support with others who share similar experiences. You will:
- Connect with others
- Stay active
- Process feelings if you want to
- Take meaningful time away from cancer
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Coping with grief and loss
Dealing with the death of a parent or sibling is one of the hardest things you’ll ever face. No-one understands that better than other young people going through the same thing. Our Good Grief program can really help deal with the death of a loved one.
What you need to know
ELIGIBILITY: Young people aged 12-25 impacted by their own or a family member's cancer. Fill out the referral form.
WHAT YOU'LL GET OUT OF IT: Peer connection, emotional support and coping skill development.
LOCATION: Events run nationwide across all states and territories.
FORMAT: In-person (overnight/day) and online (digital)
COST: Free
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Find out more
To learn more about or register for Canteen events and programs call 1800 226 833, email [email protected] or fill in this quick form.
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Frequently asked questions
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What are Canteen’s events and programs?
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Our events and programs offer free opportunities for young people impacted by cancer to connect with others who understand what they’re going through, take part in meaningful activities, and receive support in a safe and inclusive environment.
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Are there peer support programs for young people with cancer?
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Yes. Canteen offers peer support programs that connect young people aged 12 to 25 who are impacted by cancer. These programs create opportunities for young people to share experiences, build friendships, and realise they are not alone in what they are going through.
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Are there programs that help young people feel less alone with cancer?
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Yes. Canteen offers peer support programs specifically designed to bring young people together who are facing similar cancer-related experiences. These programs provide a safe environment to share, listen and connect, helping reduce isolation and build a sense of community.
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Who can take part in Canteen’s events and programs?
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Our events and programs are for young people aged 12 to 25 who have cancer themselves, have a parent, carer or sibling with cancer, or have experienced the death of someone close due to cancer. Each program has specific eligibility criteria.
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Do I have to pay to attend a Canteen event or program?
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No. All of our events and programs are free. Where programs involve travel or accommodation, these costs are also covered so money is not a barrier to taking part.
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Does Canteen run in-person events?
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We run a range of face to face programs, including overnight and multi day programs, that focus on connection, shared experiences, and building confidence and coping skills alongside peers.
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What is the PEER program?
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PEER is a three day program for young people aged 12 to 17 that brings together those who have been impacted by cancer, either personally or within their family, to connect, share, and feel supported.
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What is the EXPLORE program?
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EXPLORE is a three day program designed to help young people reflect on how cancer has affected their lives, build emotional awareness, and develop strategies to cope.
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Are there programs for young people who prefer online support?
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Yes. Through Canteen Connect we offer a range of online events and sessions that allow young people to connect, socialise, and share experiences from anywhere in Australia.
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Can I attend if I am affected by a family member’s cancer rather than my own?
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Yes. Many of our events and programs are specifically designed for young people who are impacted by a parent, carer, sibling, or other close family member’s cancer experience.
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How do I find out what events and programs are available to me?
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You can get in touch with our support team to talk through your situation, learn what programs are coming up, and find out which options are the best fit for you.
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Are Canteen events supervised and safe?
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Yes. All of our events and programs are carefully planned and delivered by trained staff and volunteers, with a strong focus on creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every young person who takes part.
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