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Cancer support

Every year, around 4,200 rangatahi are impacted by cancer in Aotearoa.

two young people who are receiving support from canteen (the cancer charity) sitting on a couch and laughingtwo young people who are receiving support from canteen (the cancer charity) sitting on a couch and laughing

Cancer affects everyone differently. That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help you manage the specific challenges you’re dealing with.

Peer support
EVENTS

Sometimes it might feel like no one really understands what you're going through, but you’re not alone. Canteen’s peer events are a chance to connect with other rangatahi who understand - Whether in-person or online, these events are all about getting together, sharing in new experiences, and taking time for yourself.

three young people having fun at a canteen cance r support community eventthree young people having fun at a canteen cance r support community event

Counselling &
Individual Support

At Canteen, we’re here for you—whatever you’re facing. You can kōrero with our specialist team about anything on your mind, whether it’s grief, changing friendships, school or work pressures, or just figuring out what life looks like now. Sessions can be in person, over Zoom, or on the phone—whatever works for you. Our clinical team offers counselling and therapeutic support to help you work through the tough stuff. You don’t have to face it alone. We’ve got your back.

young person sitting on a bench receiving cancer counselling through individual support from canteenyoung person sitting on a bench receiving cancer counselling through individual support from canteen

Rangatahi
Development

Cancer can disrupt school, work, and friendships, but Canteen is here to support you in moving forward. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, gain new skills, or explore future opportunities, we’ve got your back. Through our leadership programme, financial grants, and career support, we’ll help you develop, grow, and feel empowered to take your next steps.

two young people laying on a picnic rug and accessing cancer counselling from canteen through their laptoptwo young people laying on a picnic rug and accessing cancer counselling from canteen through their laptop
a red shield with a cross inside of ita red shield with a cross inside of it

Therapeutic programmes

Our therapeutic programmes provide you with a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, connect with others who understand, and learn coping strategies.

a pair of hands holding a coin with a dollar sign on it .a pair of hands holding a coin with a dollar sign on it .

Robots project

Our Robots Project is an innovative programme designed to help rangatahi aged 12-18 stay connected to their education and peers while undergoing cancer treatment.

a red icon of a medical document with a cross on it .a red icon of a medical document with a cross on it .

Resources

Explore our cancer support resources—a collection of helpful information. All here in one place, so you can feel a little more informed and a little less alone.

Canteen
Camps

Canteen runs several camps designed to support rangatahi by offering new experiences, social connection, and personal growth. From building leadership skills to adventurous outdoor challenges, these camps provide a safe and supportive space where rangatahi can gain confidence, develop resilience, and form lasting friendships.

two young people smiling and laughingtwo young people smiling and laughing

Online
Support

Canteen offers a variety of online support services, including counselling, online events, therapeutic programmes, and rangatahi development. No matter where you live in Aotearoa, you can access these services from the comfort of your own space, making it easy to get the support you need, when you need it.

a young person sitting outside using Canteen Connect on their phonea young person sitting outside using Canteen Connect on their phone

Collaborating with

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora LogoHealth New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Logo
LBC logoLBC logo
AYA Cancer Network LogoAYA Cancer Network Logo
RMHC LogoRMHC Logo
University of Auckland logoUniversity of Auckland logo
Flowborne Spirit logoFlowborne Spirit logo
Headstrong LogoHeadstrong Logo