Health minister Mark Butler has launched a national one-stop digital hub that is designed to change the way young Australians access cancer-related services.
The Cancer Hub is a first that provides online counselling services to children under 12 with cancer and their parents. It builds on Canteen Connect’s current service, which provides online counselling to people 12 to 25 years, seven days a week.
The hub is a partnership between Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite.
Mr Butler said the federal government has provided $3.3 million to Canteen to deliver the hub until December 2023. This includes $1.8 million to continue the Canteen Connect service until 31 December 2023 and $1.5 million to deliver a cancer navigation service until 31 December 2023.
The hub is designed to help more than 70,000 Australians navigate the cancer journey and help a further 20,000 with mental health support. It will also provide financial assistance and accommodation.
“The Cancer Hub is an important step forward in the ongoing fight against child and youth cancer," said Mr Butler.
“I pay tribute to Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite for their steadfast commitment to supporting children and young people with cancer and their families – a commitment which the Australian Government shares.”