Looking back on last year, we are blown away by the energy and brilliance of events and programs at Canteen – and by all the incredible young people and families who were part of it all.
From strength to strength with many wonderful milestones, we couldn’t pick just one highlight! We ran a powerful new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural immersion program, launched the long-awaited THRIVE program for cancer survivors, and held our summer and winter retreats across the country. These programs were packed with fun, laughter, and connection - everything you’d expect when Canteen young people get together!
Deerubbin over18s First Nations Camp, THRIVE program, Winter Retreat 2024
At the heart of everything we do is peer connection, and the PEER program continues to be a perfect example of how we help young people find their voice and grow.
Moments from PEER 2024
Our YARN (Young Adult Reconciliation Network) did amazing work advancing reconciliation throughout the year, making sure that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their communities are supported when cancer hits.
YARN at (L-R) NAIDOC Awards, 6th Global AYA Cancer Congress, You & Me Conference
The Youth Leadership Festival was a standout, with this year’s theme, ‘Exploring Depths and Reaching Heights,’ bringing together young leaders to grow, connect, and inspire each other. Plus, programs like BRAVING gave our youth leaders tools to help others feel supported and included in Canteen spaces.
Youth Leadership Festival (x 2), BRAVING leadership training
To top the year off, we hosted the 6th Global Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Congress which centered the voices and leadership of young patient-advocates around the world and celebrated creative projects like YAPS (Young Adult Patient Stories) music video Breakthrough.
International AYA patient advocates at 6th Global AYA Cancer Congress
2024 has been one full of milestones for our young people, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!
Here’s to another amazing year of connection, growth, and fun with our Canteen community.
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