Canteen Australia

Canteen Australia is the only organisation in Australia dedicated to supporting young people aged 12–25 when cancer crashes into their world. Whether they are dealing with their own diagnosis, a parent’s cancer, or the death of a loved one, Canteen provides the practical and emotional support they need to cope with the challenges cancer brings. Our mission is to be in the corner of every young person impacted by cancer, helping them navigate their journey with confidence and resilience.

Cancer turns a young person’s life upside down at a time when they should be focused on study, work, friendships, and their future. Without support, these challenges can have long-term effects on their mental health, relationships, and life opportunities. Canteen provides specialist counselling, peer support programs, and online services to ensure no young person faces cancer alone. We also offer Youth Cancer Services (YCS) in major hospitals across Australia, providing world-leading medical and psychosocial care for young cancer patients.

Our current priorities include expanding our online and in-person support programs, improving access to mental health services, and enhancing career and education support for young people whose lives have been disrupted by cancer. Funding will enable us to reach more young people, particularly those in regional and remote areas, and ensure our services remain free and accessible.

Canteen’s impact is clear: 86% of young people say Canteen helped them build skills to cope with cancer, and 92% report reduced distress after using our counselling services.

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