Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit 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 provides:
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connection with peers in similar situations through events and programs
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24/7 online support services for young people and parents
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access to free information and resources
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specialist support services for young cancer patients
All support services are underpinned by Canteen’s research and evaluation team who conduct world-class psychosocial research with the ultimate goal of transforming the lives of young people affected by cancer.
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. Read our 2021-2026 strategic plan.
Values & Commitments
We are guided by our values and our commitment to ensure that everyone at Canteen feels respected, included and safe.
We connect
Connection is our core. We connect young people with others their age who ‘get it’ and with specialist staff who truly understand cancer’s challenges.
We empower
We empower young people to lead within and beyond Canteen to shape the organisation they need and the world they want to live in.
We challenge
We use research and evidence to constantly challenge ourselves and others to be better in order to deliver the best outcomes for young people.
We are real
Young people’s real experiences are at the heart of everything we do. We don’t shy away from the tough stuff - we use it to build hope, resilience and meaning.
Our commitment to child safety
Canteen is committed to creating an organisational culture that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Canteen acknowledges its responsibility to comply with the Child Safe Standards and will ensure adherence to the standards via the development and application of child safe policies and procedures.
Canteen has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child abuse and neglect and puts child safety at the centre of everything it does. Canteen requires that all cases where a child (under the age of 18) is at risk of harm are reported.
Canteen promotes the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and provides a safe environment for children and young people living with a disability.