The Minister for Health, The Hon. Mark Butler MP, announced $3.3 million in funding for Cancer Hub, a new digital gateway that will make it easier for families impacted by cancer to get the practical and emotional support they need.
Every year another 74,000 children, young people and their parents have their world turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis in the immediate family.
“When a family is dealing with the turmoil of cancer, finding support shouldn’t be yet another challenge on the list and that is why the Federal Government is supporting the establishment of Cancer Hub,” Minister Butler said.
Cancer Hub is an initiative driven by Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite who are working in partnership as part of the newly formed Child & Youth Cancer Alliance.
Deborah Thomas, CEO of Camp Quality, said that in addition to making treatment decisions, families impacted by cancer also often face many other issues such as financial pressures, accommodation needs and parenting arrangements.
“Dealing with the immense challenges of cancer is often overwhelming and can take a significant toll on the mental health and wellbeing of every family member, not just the person diagnosed,” she said.
“The driving force behind Cancer Hub is a vision where all Australian families impacted by cancer can get the right support quickly and easily – and as close to home as possible.
“There are many cancer support organisations providing great services, but it can be hard for families to navigate that complexity. Cancer Hub means that families only need to make one phone call to access the practical and emotional support services they might need,” she added.
Cancer Hub will support more than 90,000 Australians during the next two years through cancer navigation, counselling services and peer connection.
Families impacted by cancer with children or young people aged 0-25 can access Cancer Hub at cancerhub.org.au or by calling 1800 945 215.
ABOUT CANCER HUB
Cancer Hub will streamline the way that families impacted by cancer with children aged 0-25 get support. They will be able to more easily access the practical and emotional support they need, when they need it. With one phone call to Cancer Hub families can access:
- dedicated cancer navigators, who can organise financial support, accommodation or other services when a child or young person has cancer
- specialist counsellors and social workers to help manage the emotional and social challenges cancer brings
- professional and peer support for children and young people aged 0-25
Visit cancerhub.org.au or call 1800 945 215 today.
ABOUT THE CHILD & YOUTH CANCER ALLIANCE
Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite have come together to form the Child & Youth Cancer Alliance, a ground-breaking new partnership. Through the Alliance, our extensive services, expertise, and resources will be combined to provide better support for Australian families experiencing the trauma of cancer, more cost-efficiently and at a larger scale. Below is a brief description of each of the Alliance partners and their service:
• CAMP QUALITY
Camp Quality brings positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer. Our services and programs support kids (0-15) dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of a sibling or parent.
• CANTEEN
When cancer crashes into a young person’s world, Canteen is in their corner with whatever support they need. We provide individually tailored support to young people aged 12-25 and their parents.
• REDKITE
Holding it together when your child’s life is in question can feel impossible. Redkite provides practical, emotional and financial support for families who have a child with cancer aged 18 or under, so you don’t have to face it alone.