Something for everyone
We’ve got everything from bowling to cooking classes and casual ‘drop-ins’ at your local Canteen office.
If it’s tricky to get to a face-to-face event, Canteen Connect can get you socialising from the comfort of your couch with things like book clubs, gaming nights and crafting sessions. Queer, questioning or curious? CanQueer also offers a vibrant online community for LGBTQI+ young people.
Want to try an overnight Canteen program? Our EXPLORE, and PEER programs are for you. They each focus on slightly different stuff, but all aim to give you time to connect with others, be active, deal with feelings if you need to, and take time off from cancer.
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.
Connect digitally
We host a variety of digital events - ranging from Book Club to Gaming and beyond - so you can connect remotely with others from anywhere and still feel that same sense of belonging and connection.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.