What is Canteen?
Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit cancer charity that provides free and tailored support to young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer. Whether they are dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one, Canteen's cancer services for young people provide:
Connection
With peers in similar situations through events and programs
Counselling
Free and tailored counselling and individual support
Online Support
24/7 online support services for young people
Resources
Access to free information and resources
Why Canteen exists
Canteen was set up by a group of young cancer patients in 1985 and is one of Australia's leading cancer organisations where young people still guide the organisation at every level.
Canteen exists to help young people navigate the challenges that cancer brings. Whether it’s their own diagnosis, or that of a parent or sibling, cancer can turn life upside down. Between the ages of 12 and 25, life is already full of challenges: school, university, exams, friendships and identity. These are the years that shape young people. Cancer shouldn’t be part of that journey - but for many, it is. Canteen ensures that no young person faces cancer alone.
Canteen knows that everyone’s cancer experience is different, which is why it offers free and tailored support through a range of services that ensure young Australians impacted by cancer can access the help they need.
Through free counselling, peer connection, and specialist services, Canteen helps young people rebuild confidence, connection, and hope.
Supporting young people across Australia
Canteen maintains a nationwide presence, providing dedicated support in every state and territory, alongside 24/7 online services, to ensure young people can access help whenever they need it.
We run national programs that are underpinned by the opportunity for young people to connect with their peers who understand what they are going through. Additionally, these programs offer some much needed respite from the everyday challenges cancer can bring.
Canteen offers a 24/7 online community, Canteen Connect, where young people across the country can engage with one another and access resources, contribute to discussions, read articles and join virtual or in-person events.
Canteen's national coverage means that young people can access vital counselling services (either virtually or in-person) with a trained staff member to help them cope with the challenges cancer brings.
Canteen has partnerships with other nationally recognised charities in Redkite and Camp Quality and offers cancer support for families through the Cancer Hub initiative
Leadership and Research
Behind Canteen’s impact is a passionate leadership team and a nationally recognised research program which drives innovation, accountability, and lasting impact
Leadership
Canteen is led by a dedicated team of professionals with deep expertise in health, youth services, and non-profit leadership. Their strategic vision and commitment to innovation drive the organisation's mission to support young people impacted by cancer.
Research
Canteen’s Research team is made up of highly qualified experts who lead the organisation’s evidence-based approach. With deep experience across psychology, public health, epidemiology and youth support, they conduct internationally recognised research to better understand and improve outcomes for young people impacted by cancer.
Get Involved
There are plenty of ways to get involved with Canteen and support young people impacted by cancer.
Make a generous donation
Keen to support Canteen? Help young people impacted by cancer by making either a one-off donation, or a monthly donation. All donations go towards funding vital support services, like counselling, peer connection and life-saving clinical trials.
Fundraise with Canteen
Prefer to fundraise to make a difference? We’ve got you covered with a variety of exciting events you can join. Whether it’s shaving your head, trekking Australia’s highest peaks, or taking part in a fun run - there’s a fundraising event for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Canteen is the only cancer charity that provides dedicated support to young people between the ages of 12 and 25 through specialised counselling, peer support, and tailored events and programs.
Additionally, Canteen is unique in that the majority of the Board of Directors are young leaders plus we have incredible youth ambassadors who share their stories to raise awareness and funds for Canteen.
Young people aged between 12 and 25 who are impacted by their own diagnosis or a family member, friend or partner’s cancer.
Find out more about how we support young people impacted by cancer.
Research shows that when parents cope better with cancer and communicate openly, their children are likely to experience less distress and anxiety. In response, Canteen support services now extend to parents by providing practical tools, emotional support and more.
As a national charity, Canteen has offices in major cities across the country. For more details, click here.
Thanks to the support of our generous donors, Canteen is able to offer a range of tailored support services for young people impacted by cancer, at no cost.